The Leader of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Parliament, Honourable Osei Kyei-Mensah Bonsu has disclosed that, the 8th Parliament will adopt new standing orders for its activities in Parliament.
Speaking with the media in Accra today, 14th January,2021, he explained that, the new standing orders will be adopted in order to resolve future circumstances.
“We have been fortunate to have, since the 1992 constitution, majority leader’s doubling up as leaders of government business. But it cannot be eternal, which is why we have to further smit the orders to suit emerging circumstances.”
Speaking with regards to governance aside the standing orders, Mr. Kyei-Mensah Bonsu intimated that, where the nation has reached, government is required to be more consultative and also transparent.
Additionally, he urged that, the leaders in Parliament, must also reach out to others in a more transparent and an accountable manner in order to deepen the countries democratic nature.
He noted that, it was only going to be problematic, if members of a particular caucus decide not to go along with those measures to destruct the government’s purpose.
He also stated that, the Speaker of Parliament, Honorable Alban Bagbin was elected out of consensus, adding that he did not see why anyone will disagree with that fact.
He then debunked stories making rounds that, after the meeting with the Speaker of Parliament, it was agreed that, whatever decision the Fomena MP takes with regards to which party to join was inconclusive. He noted that, it was not a part of their discussion when they met with the Speaker of Parliament.
He explained that, if the Fomena MP, Mr. Andrews Asiamah decides to join them in Parliament on the ticket of the NPP, there would have to be a bi-election, adding that, he will lose his Deputy Speaker position since two speakers cannot be from the same political party.
His comment comes on the back of the current argument as to which party has the majority and the sitting positions in Parliament.
Meanwhile, the leader of the NDC caucus and MP for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu addressing the press on Thursday afternoon in Accra stated that, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Members of Parliament, (MP’s) have no issues sitting at the left side of the Speaker of Parliament.
“We have no difficulty sitting on the left of the Speaker but it must be clear that no side has majority”
The NDC however, insists that, its numerical strength which is equal to that of the ruling NPP would not be compromised when it comes to the composition of committees.
The Independent candidate, a former Member of Parliament for Fomena Constituency on the ticket of the NPP, Andrews Asiamah Amoakoa, has said he would work with the NPP, giving the NPP an edge in terms of numbers.
But Mr. Iddrisu said the independent candidate did not run on the ticket on any political party and hence no side could claim him.
“As to what it is now, you can just call me Leader and refer to the other side as the Leader of Government Business.”
He further stated that, there would be history as the opposition in the 8th parliament is determined not just to have their say but also their way at the committee level.
