The recent calls by certain members of parliament, signaling an effort to oust Majority Leader Hon. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, have garnered attention within the caucus, resulting in protests and ultimately leading to his resignation as the New Patriotic Party leader of parliament and government business.
Hon. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, Member of Parliament for Wa Central Constituency, shared his perspective on the Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra. Pelpuo suggested that discontent and internal divisions within the party in parliament compelled Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu to step down. He speculated that this move aligns with an agenda from Dr. Bawumia’s campaign managers, aimed at advancing the presidential aspirations of the Vice President by collaborating with his followers in parliament.
According to Pelpuo, the NPP government’s delay in following due process and adhering to parliamentary standing orders might pose challenges, as internal conflicts and dissent among members could hinder the interests of those supporting Dr. Bawumia.
Addressing the alarming unemployment rate in the country, currently at 14.2%, Pelpuo criticized the government for presenting misleading figures on job creation. He pointed out the destruction of jobs in the banking sector collapse and the lack of support for the private sector, hindering industrial growth and job creation for the youth.
The Bekwai MP referred to the new standing orders of parliament, stating that any changes must be made by the caucus. However, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin refuted this, asserting the party’s right to determine the leader of its Parliamentary wing.
In response, the first deputy speaker Joseph Osei-Owusu rejected Bagbin’s stance, leading to the President summoning MPs for a meeting to address the matter.
In a separate development, Majority Leader and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu resigned following a meeting with President Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House. The resignation appeared to stem from an impasse with the executive over proposed changes to the party’s front bench in Parliament. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu was subsequently appointed chairman of the Party’s Manifesto Committee.
Earlier, the majority caucus, led by first deputy speaker Joseph Osei-Owusu, strongly opposed the decision to replace Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu as majority leader.
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