The Member of Parliament (MP) for Builsa South, Clement Apaak, has intimated that the Majority leader in Parliament, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, is unhappy about Alban Bagbin’s position as the Speaker of the 8th Parliament.
“It is true that Kyei Mensah Bonsu is not happy about Bagbin’s appointment as a speaker. They are friends but he is not happy about it. Left to him or the NPP, the speakership position should have been given to Mike Ocquaye. So, instantly there is a problem there.”
Clement Apaak
His comments come after the Majority leader claimed the Speaker could soon make Parliament an enclave for the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Speaking in an interview, Mr Apaak said he is of the view that these accusations are geared towards;tainting the image of the speaker in the eyes of Ghanaians.
“There is an instant issue in terms of friction and acceptability. So, whatever they can do to discredit Alban Bagbin or pull him down or drag him in the mud;or change Ghanaians’ perception about him, they will do it and that is what is playing out.”
Clement Apaak
The Builsa South MP said Parliament was very right to elect Alban Bagbin as the speaker of the house. He said, Alban Bagbin is “someone who knows much about Ghana’s fourth republic; knowing the parliamentary process and procedure. So, the NPP is uncomfortable and will remain uncomfortable.”
Speaker’s appointees don’t have to be NPP members
The Majority Leader, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, who made the statement that he is worried the Speaker of Parliament will turn the House into an enclave for the NDC explained that, it is because the speaker has selected too many members of the NDC to his office as advisers.
However, Mr Apaak averred that the individuals being appointed by the Speaker of Parliament to support him with his parliamentary duties do not necessarily have to be from the ruling government.
According to him, there is no law in the constitution that directs the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin on which political party or faction he is expected to appoint his staff from.
Additionally, he said critics of the Speaker’s appointments are not to be given much attention as he believes Speaker Bagbin has not even appointed enough persons from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to work in Parliament.
“The Speaker of Parliament has not appointed enough NDC people to the house. I wish he appoints more of such people. Where does it say that he should not appoint NDC people into Parliament? Where are the rules that say so?”
Clement Apaak
Moreover, Mr. Apaak says he believes so far as appointees of the Speaker are all competent Ghanaians who will help him achieve his goals and objectives, then there should be no issues with regards to who he appoints.
“The Speaker needed to get people he could trust to help him execute his mandate and that is what he is doing.”
Clement Apaak
