Dr. Dickson Adomako Kissi, Member of Parliament for Anyaa Sowutuom, has suggested that if he were a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), he would nominate either Muntaka Mohammed, MP for Asawase, or Haruna Iddrisu, MP for Tamale South, as speaker for the 9th Parliament.
This comment comes after President-elect John Dramani Mahama endorsed Alban Bagbin, Speaker of the 8th Parliament, for the same position in the upcoming 9th parliament.
Mahama’s directive followed consultations with NDC leadership and emphasizes Bagbin’s long-standing service to Parliament, which includes his tenure as both Majority and Minority Leader and, most recently, as Speaker of the 8th Parliament.
The President-elect underscored Bagbin’s wealth of experience and leadership qualities, expressing confidence that he would continue to strengthen Parliament’s ability to oversee and drive Ghana’s democratic and legislative agenda.
Speaking on GHOne TV, Dr. Kissi acknowledged the endorsement but suggested that multiple nominations would allow for a broader range of opinions.
He drew parallels with the American speakership, citing Donald Trump’s successful endorsement. Dr. Kissi emphasised that parliamentarians from the NDC should have a significant say in determining the nominee(s) for the speakership position.
“Donald Trump also added his voice to the American speakership and he won, so the idea of president-elect, making an endorsement for the position of speakership, I don’t think it’s wrong. I think that the parliamentarians on the NDC side should have a large voice, in terms of determining if one or two people are nominated.”
“If I were NDC as well, I would have nominated Haruna Iddrisu or Muntaka or somebody else. I think that would have also allowed for variant opinions with regards to who becomes the speaker for the 9th parliament. I think the speaker certainly is competent, has the experience and he did so much for the NDC.”
