Executive Director of the African Center for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA), Dr. Rasheed Draman, has raised concerns over the timing of Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision to declare four parliamentary seats vacant, a move that has ignited political tensions and debate.
On October 17, Speaker Bagbin ruled that the seats held by Cynthia Mamle Morrison (NPP, Agona West), Kwadjo Asante (NPP, Suhum), Peter Kwakye-Ackah (NDC, Amenfi Central), and Andrew Amoako Asiamah (an independent MP from Fomena who recently rejoined the NPP) were vacant. This decision followed allegations of constitutional violations by the MPs.
In a recent interview, Dr. Draman expressed doubts about whether this was the right time to make such a significant ruling, especially with the country heading toward national elections. He highlighted the potential implications of this decision on the political climate and parliamentary operations.
While acknowledging the legal provisions that permit such declarations, Dr. Draman urged caution, stressing that these decisions should be approached with careful consideration due to their impact on both the functioning of Parliament and the country’s democracy.
He also supported the Majority Leader’s call for the courts to provide clarity on the matter, warning that any boycott of Parliament would not be in the country’s best interest, particularly during an election year.
Executive Director, African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA), Dr Rasheed Draman, has expressed concern over the resignation of the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu.
Speaking in an interview on TV3, Dr Draman noted that this is not the time for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to make such a decision, considering the fact that it is seeking to “break the eight.”
Reports emerged on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, that Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has resigned from post.
This news has triggered reactions from various quarters. Scores of personalities,including prominent figures in the country have been reacting to the resignation of Member of Parliament for Suame, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, as Majority Leader.
Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu resigns: This isn't the time to have cracks when you're thinking of breaking the 8 – Dr Rasheed Draman, Exec Dir, ACEPA#GhanaTonight#TV3GHpic.twitter.com/WAtz9x3uPX
Executive Director, African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA), Dr Rasheed Draman, is the latest to add his voice to the discourse.
Speaking in an interview on TV3, expressed deep concern over the situation, stressing that it is not conducive for Parliament and the country as a whole, given the Majority Leader’s experience.
“Majority Leaders don’t resign in our history, they are usually reshuffled, moved based on deliberations, agreement between the caucus and the party.
He argued that “when it gets to the point where an illustrious person such as the current leader, getting to a point where we hear that he has resigned, is a novelty and the only conclusion we can come to is that he has been pushed.
“And this is one of the finest, and delivery MPs we have in the house and he takes parliamentary business seriously. He’s also someone who has a lot of interest in deepening our democracy. So to see such a person end in this way, I think it’s sad for our parliament but most importantly it’s not a motivation for others to give their all,” he added.
Executive Director of the African Center for Parliamentary Affairs, Dr Rasheed Draman, has asserted Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has suffered the same fate as his colleague from the Minority side, Haruna Iddrisu, who was dismissed as Minority leader.
Speaking in an interview, Dr Rasheed Draman criticised the manner in which Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, relinquished his post. He believes the MP was compelled to make the decision.
According to reports emanating from within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the Suame MP willingly offered to step down during a meeting of the NPP caucus in parliament and the executive, including President Akufo-Addo.
Dr Draman, however, believes otherwise and questioned whether such an approach was the best way to encourage individuals to dedicate themselves to public service.
While recognizing the party’s prerogative to select its leaders in Parliament, he emphasized that the governance of the country is a shared responsibility.
Additionally, he argued that given Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s long-standing commitment to public service by being the longest-serving Member of Parliament, it is problematic to have the Majority relieved from his post in such a manner.
“I don’t think the end should be a push,” he said.
Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu officially resigned from his position as the leader of the majority caucus in Parliament on Wednesday evening. This decision comes amidst swirling rumors suggesting his potential ousting to facilitate the ascension of his Deputy, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, to the leadership role.
Speculation had been rife in political circles regarding the future leadership of the majority caucus, with reports indicating a possible transition from Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu to Afenyo-Markin. The rumors gained traction as internal discussions within the caucus intensified in recent weeks.
The recent announcement has sparked widespread speculation and debate within political circles.
Many observers and commentators have posited that his decision may have been influenced by his new role as the Chairman of the Manifesto Committee for the NPP’s 2024 election campaign.
However, Dr Draman raised doubts about this rationale, highlighting that there are other Members of Parliament who concurrently hold ministerial positions and effectively manage their dual responsibilities.
“So really, we are just seeing a replay of the situation that we saw with the NDC, and Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu has now joined his friend Haruna Iddrisu in suffering the same fate,” he said on Wednesday.
Dr Draman expressed his belief that, regardless of whether the resignation was negotiated or not, a better approach could have been taken to avoid the evident discord surrounding the departure of Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu.
Executive Director of the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA), Rasheed Draman, has indicated that the newly introduced Standing Orders in parliament is a response to the challenges of absenteeism and the lack of quorum experienced during sessions.
In an interview with TV3 he stated that the roll call is positioned as a crucial tool to promote transparency and curb absenteeism, ultimately contributing to the overall integrity of parliamentary proceedings.
He stated that under this approach, the roll is called, requiring every member to respond.
According to him in cases where a member is absent, the standing orders permit the transfer of voting rights to another member on matters before the house.
… the roll is called and everybody has to respond and if you are not there eerrm, whoever for instance the standing orders is allowed for you to give your vote to somebody on a matter that is before the house all those are mentioned during the roll call,” he added.
Rasheed Draman emphasized the significance of addressing these issues during the roll call, providing a systematic method to manage the challenges faced by the parliamentary body.
Mr Draman expressed the frustration associated with absenteeism and the repercussions of inadequate quorum in parliamentary proceedings.
He advocated for a consistent adherence to the roll call, acknowledging that while it may be time-consuming to mention the names of all 275 members, the benefits of bringing order and accountability to the house outweigh the time investment.
“Look we have been dealing with this issue of absenteeism and the frustrations with lack of quorum in the house over the days. If I am to advise the right honorable Speaker I will say let’s stick to this roll call because I mean it might take time but I guess mentioning the names of 275 members will take more than 15 to 20 minutes doing that will bring sanity to the house,” he stated.
As the new Standing Orders come into effect, they aim to instill discipline and responsibility among parliamentarians, ensuring that the house functions efficiently and effectively.
On Tuesday, February 6, a notable change took effect in parliamentary proceedings as members kicked off sessions by reciting the National Pledge.
New Parliamentary Standing Orders: The roll call will address issues of absenteeism. – Rasheed Draman, Exec Dir, ACEPA#GhanaTonightpic.twitter.com/IYguEi8R9Z
Executive Director of the African Center for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA), Dr Rasheed Draman, has called on political parties to implement intentional grooming strategies for the effective replacement of seasoned Members of Parliament.
Several veteran Members of Parliament from the Majority, including the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, have indicated their decision not to contest in the upcoming parliamentary elections in 2024.
Their decisions have raised concerns about creating a deficit of experienced legislators.
In an interview, Dr Rasheed Draman called on political parties to develop a deliberate strategy to phase out MPs.
“In Norway, the parties have academics; they prepare young people, they have a way of preparing people to go to parliament. In that system, you can have a lot of young people in parliament, with people who are already prepared, people who have gained some experience through the preparations and support that they have had from the parties.”
“In our system, I don’t know if there is any school or academic where a candidate who is preparing to go to parliament is taken through some kind of skills training and preparations. You wake up, and if there’s a mad rush, everybody wants to go to parliament without any experience. And then you have these experienced hands leaving; then it creates a big void.”
Dr. Draman also bemoaned the impact of the exit of some experienced MPs on the business of parliament.
“The work of parliament, legislative work, is not for the faint-hearted; I mean, it’s not for everyone. You get the experience by doing, and you learn by doing. People become very important assets, both for the parties, parliament, and the country. I would have hoped that there has been some cause in the past for some seats to be protected. I would have hoped that the parties in parliament would have found a way, at least to ensure that through some internal negotiations and agreement, some seats will be protected,” the Executive Director of ACEPA said.
Among the noteworthy MPs opting not to seek reelection are prominent figures such as Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu (Suame), First Deputy Speaker Joe Osei Owusu (Bekwai), Atta Akyea (Abuakwa South), Joe Ghartey (Essikado Ketan), and Ken Agyapong (Assin Central). Their decision undoubtedly leaves a void in the party’s leadership and parliamentary representation.
Other MPs who have decided to step down include Dan Botwe (Okere), Kwasi Amoako-Atta (Atiwa West), Dr. Kwaku Afriyie (Sefwi Wiaso), and Emmanuel Marfo (Oforikrom). Additionally, Benito Owusu-Bio (Atwima Nwabiagya), Carlos Ahenkora (Tema West), Nana Kwasi Adjei Boateng (New Juabeng North), William Owuraku Aidoo (Afigya Kwabre South), Johnson Adu (Ahafo Ano South West), Francis Manu-Adabor (Ahafo Ano South-East), Suleman Sanid (Ahafo Ano North), Kojo Kum (Ahanta West), and Francisca Oteng (Kwabre East) are among those opting not to seek reelection.
The reasons behind their decision remain unclear, with speculation ranging from potential retirements from politics to pursuing alternative professional opportunities or taking a break from the demanding nature of parliamentary life.
