The leader of the Parliament Alban Bagbin has clarified that members of parliament cannot appoint their own leaders without consulting their political parties.
He emphasized that MPs are in the House representing their political parties and it is not appropriate for them to independently appoint leaders without the input of their parties.
In a statement made on the floor of Parliament on February 21, Bagbin argued that since MPs are constantly changing, some in their first, second, or third term, they cannot choose the best-suited leaders without the guidance of their parties. He stressed the importance of political parties in the appointment of leaders, as they are the platforms that the MPs represent in the House.
Bagbin further explained that leaving the appointment of leaders to the caucus alone could lead to challenges and therefore, it is important for parties to be involved in the process.
His comments were made following suggestions from some majority MPs that no one outside Parliament can change the leadership of the majority caucus.
The Speaker’s clarification comes in the wake of rumors surrounding a potential reshuffle of the leadership of the Majority caucus, with the suggestion that the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, was to be replaced by his Deputy, Alexander Afenyo-Markin.
Bagbin expressed the need for these appointments to have a national character and indicated that he would provide a written reason for the House on the matter.