The resignation of former Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has sparked concern from the Executive Director of the African Center for Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. Rasheed Draman. Despite sources within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) hierarchy stating that the Suame MP offered to step down willingly, Dr. Draman suggests that he may have been compelled to do so.
During an interview on JoyNews’ PM Express, Dr. Draman questioned whether forcing individuals to step down from their positions is the best way to encourage dedication to public service. He emphasized that the governance of the country is a collective responsibility and that a more thoughtful and considerate approach could have been taken.
The circumstances surrounding Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s resignation, especially given his long-standing commitment to public service as the longest-serving Member of Parliament, are troubling to Dr. Draman. He expressed his belief that, regardless of whether the resignation was negotiated or not, a more amicable approach could have been taken to avoid the discord surrounding his departure.
Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu formally relinquished his role as the leader of the majority caucus in Parliament. Speculations about his potential removal to pave the way for his Deputy, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, had been rife prior to this. While many have cited his new role as the Manifeto Committee Chairman for the NPP’s election 2024 campaign as the reason for his resignation, Dr. Draman questioned this reasoning, citing other Members of Parliament who also hold dual roles.
In the end, Dr. Draman believes that Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s resignation represents a missed opportunity for the NPP to handle the situation better and avoid the evident discord surrounding his departure.
