Former Member of Parliament for Anyaa-Sowutuom, Dr. Dickson Adomako Kissi, has stated that members of parliament should be allowed to decide for themselves who will lead them as the Speaker of Parliament.
According to Dr. Adomako Kissi, MPs must have the freedom to make their own choices regarding nominees for the role since the Speaker is essentially the chairperson of Parliament, tasked with leading and coordinating the activities of MPs hence the need for the legislatures to have the exclusive right in selecting someone who aligns with their preferences and trust.
“You are more likely to know the pluses and minuses of your speaker or some of your colleagues who would be appropriate. I know the likes of Haruna Iddrisu could have also been a Speaker, I know Muntaka could also be a Speaker, I mean, all of these people they’re very powerful men within the NDC.
“Moving forward, I think that some level of attention should be given to what the parliamentarians think with regards to who they’ll be doing business with. You know, because literally, the speaker is like the chairperson for the MPs. So if you are making a recommendation for the chairperson for the MPs, then they should have a say.” He said.
His comment comes at the back of directives by H.E John Dramani before the inauguration of the 9th Parliament, which directed the Parliamentary Leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to nominate The Right Honourable Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin as Speaker of the 9th Parliament of the Fourth Republic. Alban Bagbin was subsequently sworn in as Speaker on January 7, 2025, following his endorsement by President-elect John Dramani Mahama.
Dr. Dickson Adomako Kissi, emphasized he is not against the President publicly endorsing Alban Bagbin for the position of Speaker of Parliament since the Speaker will work closely with various ministers and MPs in the president’s government to ensure smooth governance. However, he reiterated that parliamentarians should be allowed to choose the Speaker they want to work with.
“Donald Trump also expressed his preference or his support for the current US Speaker so I wouldn’t say it is necessarily out of line. The American democracy is 400 plus years and for whatever reason the presidential elect should also be able to make a recommendation as to who he would love to do business with, not necessarily his choice.
“One key thing which I think ought to be looked at in the future is the fact that parliamentarians should be able to make a determination of who their choices or preferences are with regards to who is nominated.” He said
Source: Elvisanokyenews.com
