The escalating friction between Nana Akufo Addo and Speaker Alban Bagbin has intensified to a scorching climax.
Akufo Addo’s refusal to endorse Private Members bills appears to have angered Speaker Bagbin, prompting him to retaliate by withholding approval for newly nominated Ministers.
This deadlock has ensnared “Number 3” and “Number 1” in a bitter power struggle.
The unending drama will certainly prompt any incoming President to move heaven and earth in ensuring that the Speaker of Parliament either hails from their own party or, at the very least, demonstrates unwavering loyalty to them.
But who loses? The people or the people in power? Before we get into that, let’s start from the very beginning.
Speaker Bagbin’s tenure is indeed historic. His victory in the Speaker’s Election, defeating Mike Oquaye Senior, marks the first instance where the leader of the legislative arm hails from the opposition party. From the outset, it was evident that observing parliament closely required a metaphorical cup of popcorn. From a hung parliament for the first time to elect a speaker who is not affiliated with the ruling party, added an intriguing layer to parliamentary dynamics.
Bills! Whether they are discussed in relationships or in decision-making at the highest level of governance, they seem to spark so much controversy and animosity. It is safe to assume that the rather passionate relationship between the president and the speaker of parliament stems from the president’s refusal to assent to some bills passed by parliament. The Criminal Offences Amendment Bill 2023, the Criminal Offences Amendment Bill Number 2, 2023, and the Ghana Armed Forces Amendment Bill 2023 were not approved by the presidency citing financial implications on the consolidated fund and a violation of Article 108 as reasons. In a letter to parliament, the President also stated that the bills do not conform to the constitution of the land. The Speaker stressed that the President had gotten it ‘tragically wrong’ and that he had not been ‘properly informed on the processes these bills had gone through’. That was round one!
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When Vice President Mahamadu Bawumia was elected as NPP’s Flagbearer, the Speaker said in parliament that loyalties were shifting away from Nana Akufo-Addo. He then referred to the President as a “lame duck”. Nana Akufo Addo did not take this lying down, he fought back. “Speaker Bagbin says I’m a lame duck, well, that’s his language. I am still the President of the Republic of Ghana and it will continue to be so until January 7, 2025. The power to make decisions and to carry out policies is still firmly in my hands,” he fought back. That was round 2. The Executive Secretary to the President, Nana Asante Bediatuo, wrote to the clerk of parliament, directing the legislative arm to desist from transmitting the recently passed Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2021 to the presidency for assent, citing ongoing injunctions on the bill. This letter angered Speaker Bagbin so much that he replied, describing it as contemptuous. He fired back, stating “Parliament shall not desist from transmitting the antigay bill.”
In what appeared to be a retaliatory stance tinged with a hint of humor, Speaker Bagbin declared that the approval process for newly nominated ministers would be suspended “until after the determination of the application for interlocutory injunction by the Supreme Court.” This decision followed Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Etse K. Dafeamekpor’s move to seek restraint against the Speaker and the House from vetting and endorsing ministerial nominees. This means some public offices will be without ministers.
Well, maybe the President is living up to his word of not becoming a “lame duck.” Whether by design or coincidence, he is undoubtedly testing the patience of the Speaker. But will Speaker Bagbin bury the hatchet if the bills are assented to?
Both sides claim to uphold the Constitution. One thing is clear: both “arms” are wrestling and flexing their powers. So why is the Judiciary delaying in separating the “arms”? For students of political science, this unfolding scenario offers rich material for academic research and analysis.
But who is winning? Speaker Bagbin or Nana Akufo-Addo? And at whose expense?
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Etornam Kumashie
