Month: May 2024

Ghana’s journey through its democratic epochs has been marked by the ebb and flow of political tides, with the Majority Leader playing a pivotal role in navigating the parliamentary landscape. From the inception of the Fourth Republic in 1992 to the present day, the Majority Leaders have wielded influence, negotiated alliances, and steered legislative agendas.

2nd Parliament (1999-2001): Kwabena Adjei and the Transition

The 2nd Parliament saw Kwabena Adjei assuming the mantle of Majority Leader from 1999 to 2001. His tenure witnessed the nuances of coalition building and the delicate balance of power within the parliamentary framework. In 1998, Korbly Doe Edward Adjaho emerged as a significant figure in the transition, marking a shift in the political dynamics of the time.

3rd Parliament (2001-2005): Felix K Owusu-Agyapong and the Consolidation

As Ghana moved into the 21st century, Felix K Owusu-Agyapong took the reins of Majority Leadership from 2001 to 2005. His tenure symbolized the consolidation of democratic processes and the refinement of parliamentary protocols. Under his stewardship, the legislature grappled with emerging socio-political challenges, setting the stage for future leadership transitions.

4th Parliament (2005-2009): A.O Aidooh to Papa Owusu Ankomah – Transition Amidst Continuity

A.O Aidooh’s leadership from 2005 to 2009 marked a period of transition, paving the way for Papa Owusu Ankomah to assume the mantle of Majority Leader. This transition highlighted the resilience of Ghana’s parliamentary system, wherein leadership changes seamlessly adapt to the evolving political landscape. Ankomah’s tenure underscored the importance of adaptability and strategic foresight in steering legislative affairs.

5th Parliament (2009-2013): Alban S.K. Bagbin and the Coalition Dynamics

Alban S.K. Bagbin’s tenure as Majority Leader from 2009 to 2013 epitomized the intricacies of coalition politics and the art of consensus-building. His collaborative approach, coupled with the astute leadership of Cletus Aplu Avoka in 2009-2010, navigated the complexities of a multi-party system, ensuring the smooth functioning of the legislature amidst divergent ideologies.

6th Parliament (2013-2017): Benjamin NY Kunbour and the Quest for Reform

Benjamin NY Kunbour’s leadership from 2013 to 2017 witnessed a renewed focus on legislative reform and institutional strengthening. His tenure heralded a period of introspection, as Ghana sought to align its parliamentary practices with global standards of governance. Kunbour’s pragmatic approach laid the groundwork for future advancements in parliamentary efficiency and transparency.

7th Parliament (2017-2021): Osei Kyei-Mensah Bonsu – Navigating Uncertainties

Osei Kyei-Mensah Bonsu’s tenure from 2017 to 2021 unfolded against a backdrop of political uncertainties and shifting power dynamics. His adept navigation of parliamentary intricacies solidified his reputation as a seasoned statesman and consensus-builder. Bonsu’s leadership exemplified resilience in the face of adversity, as Ghana charted its course through turbulent waters.

8th Parliament (2021-2025): Osei Kyei-Mensah Bonsu to Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin – Passing the Baton

Osei Kyei-Mensah Bonsu’s stewardship from 2021 to 2025 witnessed a smooth transition of power to Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin. This transition underscored the institutional continuity and democratic ethos that define Ghana’s parliamentary system. Afenyo-Markin’s ascension heralds a new chapter in Ghana’s legislative journey, as the nation continues its quest for progress and prosperity.

In retrospect, the evolution of Majority Leadership in Ghana’s Fourth Republic reflects the resilience of democratic institutions and the adaptability of political elites in navigating the complexities of governance. As Ghana strides forward into the future, the legacy of its parliamentary leaders will continue to shape the nation’s democratic narrative, inspiring generations to come.

Ghanamps.com/Shang Annang Papa Nii

The Minority in Ghana’s Parliament has cautioned the Minister of Health designate Dr. Okoe Boye to stop holding himself as representative of the President in a purported creation of new appointment by the chief of staff.

According to a statement signed by the ranking member of the select Committee on Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Ghanaians and the Minority were shock to hear the Minister for Health designate going on an unannounced inspection tour of health facilities as though his appointment is complete as a sector minister.

“Justifying what was arguably a misrepresentation that he had received a Nicodemus letter from the Chief of Staff purporting to have appointed him as the Representative of the President to the Ministry of Health”.

First and foremost, there is no provision within the 1992 constitution that supports the creation of representatives of the President in Ministries of State. Therefore, for a highly regulated power centre such as the Presidency, it is ultra vires for the Chief of Staff who derives all her powers from the President as prescribed by the 1992 constitution to be creating new offices alien to the constitution.

Article 78(1) of the 1992 constitution states, “Ministers of State shall be appointed by the President with the prior approval of Parliament….”.

This clearly indicates that the appointment process can only occur after approval of Parliament and therefore, Minister-designates are at most nominees whose presence in government institutions should amount to nothing more than a visit of an ordinary citizen and that without Ministerial privilege or authority whatsoever.

It is therefore illegal for any person to hold himself out as a Representative of the President to a Ministry exercising any form of executive authority of superintending, overseeing, directing, or controlling state institutions in the name of the President.

It is for this reason that where a substantive appointment has not been made to a specific ministry, a Minister appointed to another ministry and clothed with the constitutional instrument of office is directed by the President to act as ‘caretaker’ Minister for the ministry.

“President’s Representative to the Ministry of Health clothed with the authority and power of the President to represent him in the Ministry of Health is Hon Ursula Owusu Ekuful the Minister for Communications and Digitalization who is currently acting as the caretaker-Minister for the Ministry of Health and not Dr. Okoe Boye”.

The Minister-designate who is only a nominee of the President has no authority whatsoever to instruct or direct, implement or propose policy changes for agencies within a sector ministry. Therefore, under what power or authority does he/she summon CEOs and other heads of institutions and functions, who may be busy with their official schedules, to grant him audience or presentations on their management of state institutions?

The Minority in Parliament would therefore like to advise the Chief of Staff to revoke all illegal appointments appointing Minister-designates as Representatives of the President, persons so appointed to stop holding themselves out as Representatives of the President to designated Ministries and all members of the public with special emphasis on public sector workers should not extend any privilege reserved for Ministers to such persons, the Minority stated.

Ghanamps.com

Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mavis Hawa Koomson has told the Government Assurance Committee that fifty (50) of the premix fuel automated dispensing projects have been completed whiles the rest are at various points of completion when she appeared before the Committee on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

According to her the project is expected to cure the diversion of premix fuels. She also used the opportunity to apologise to the Committee for her inability to honor their invitation adding that it was not deliberate.

Her remarks came up as a result of the Member of Parliament for Ablekuma South Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije wanting to know from the Minister the current state of the premix fuel dispensers.

Meanwhile, the ranking member on the Committee, Oti Bless drew the attention of the Minister to take note that whatever will be said at the Committee level, they as a committee would move for a field verification.
The Minister responded by saying she is sure of what she is saying and would not come before the Committee to say anything that cannot be verified.

As to the locations of the fifty premix dispensers, she said though it was not part of the question sent to her to verify the places, on top of her head, she can say Elmina has three, whiles Salt Pond has one and there is another one at KEEA, she told the Committee.

“Again, in Accra we have Nuguah, Chorkor, and in the Volta Region – Adidome, Kpando, South and North Dayi among others”.

As to whether with the introduction of the premix fuel dispensers there has been improvement to curb stealing of the product, the Minister responded in the affirmative, saying fishermen get the premix fuel as measures have been put in place including one needs a card to draw the fuel.

“Mr. chairman thirty thousand litters which is supplied does not finish a day; it takes a week before it gets finished and we have used digitalisation to minimize theft”, she added.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com