Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament Emphasizes Party Input in Caucus Leadership Selection

Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has emphasized that caucuses within the House cannot independently appoint their leaders without input from the sponsoring political parties. Bagbin clarified that Members of Parliament (MPs) are in the House on the ticket of political parties, making it inappropriate for legislators to appoint leaders without the parties’ involvement.

During a parliamentary session on February 21, Bagbin argued that as a new House with MPs in their first, second, or third terms, they lack the familiarity to independently choose caucus leaders without party guidance. He highlighted the crucial role of political parties in the appointment process, given that parties provide the platform for MPs to enter the House.

Bagbin expressed concern that allowing caucuses to appoint leaders without party involvement might lead to challenges and emphasized the need for national character in caucus leadership. He stated that the constitutional and legislative provisions binding parties compel them to have a national character in caucus leadership.

The Speaker’s comments follow statements from some majority MPs, led by First Deputy Speaker Joseph Osei-Owusu, who suggested that external entities should not alter the majority caucus’s leadership. Osei-Owusu made these remarks on February 20 amid rumors of a potential reshuffle within the Majority caucus, hinting at a possible replacement of Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu by his Deputy, Alexander Afenyo-Markin.

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