The Speaker of Parliament, Honourable Alban Kingsford Bagbin, has intimated that, he was not consulted by the President, Nana Akufo-Addo, on some categories of the recent appointment of the members of the Council of State.
The Speaker’s comment comes on the back of the Deputy majority leader in parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin suggesting that, the Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin might have been consulted before the release of the list to the public, which the parliamentarians say was disrespectful since the house was not consulted.
However, the speaker disclosed he was never consulted before the names were made public and consequently directed the presidency to comply with the dictates of the constitution relative to appointments to the Council of state.
During the sitting of the House, Parliament accused President Akufo-Addo of disrespect in his appointments to the Council of state.
The House has faulted the President for going public with some category of appointees on the 11-member list without consulting parliament.
The House averred that, per article 89 clause 2(a) of the constitution, appointments of former Chief Justices, IGPs, Chiefs of Defence Staff to the council must be done in consultation with parliament, which did not take place.
The House therefore expressed shock at the publication put out by the Presidency announcing these appointments.
Speaking on the floor, Minority group leader, Haruna Iddrisu demanded respect for the Speaker and parliament from the presidency with regards to what has happened and the matters arising from it.
Speaking also on the floor of the House, Member of Parliament for Okaikoi Central, Patrick Yaw Boamah, however, drew the House’s attention to article 89 clause 2(b) which allows for some appointments to the Council of State without consulting parliament arguing the President has done no wrong.
However, the North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa argued the appointments involved categories requiring consultation with the legislature. He added the development smacks off gross disrespect since MPs only learnt about the appointments in the media.
Former Deputy Attorney General and Bolgatanga East MP, Dr. Dominic Ayine explained that, consultation as directed by the constitution must go beyond just formal communication from the presidency to the house but in the real sense of consultation with MPs.
In clarifying issues, the Deputy Majority group leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin suggested Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin might have been consulted which the speaker subsequently repudiated..
The President on Monday, February 1, 2020 released names of his appointments to the Council of State for his second term.
The President named 11 persons including the immediate past Chair of the Council, Nana Otuo Siriboe, to form part of the composition of the Council according to a release from the Jubilee House.
A statement from the Communications Directorate of Jubilee House released and signed by Acting Director of Communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, indicated that a total of 11 people have been appointed to the Council.
According to the communique, Juabenhene, Nana Otuo Siriboe II, the legal practitioner, Sam Okudzeto and Stanley Blankson were all maintained by the President.
