Alban Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, has announced plans to review various rules in Parliament in order to prevent the Executive from appointing Members of Parliament as heads of state institutions.
In what appeared to be a piece of advice to the members of the House, the Speaker bemoaned the inability of lawmakers appointed to head state institutions to discharge their legislative functions.
“Don’t let money and political favors take over your minds.” That is one of the issues we intend to address in the next two and a half years. As a result, by the year 2025, things will be very different. The governing party always has a large number of MPs in Parliament who are brought in through political patronage.”
They are being made board chairs, CEOs of some institutions, and they are becoming Members of Parliament. So, how can you come and criticise the same thing you are involved in? ”
- Bagbin has vowed to crack down on Akufo-appointment Addo’s of MPs to boards.
- Bagbin chastises MPs, declaring it contemptuous to speak while the Speaker is speaking.
He made the remarks during the swearing-in of newly elected executives of the Parliamentary Press Corps in Accra on Monday, April 4, 2022.
The Speaker also announced plans to review the standing orders of Parliament to suit the current hung Parliament, which he admits is posing a challenge to proceedings.
“Because of the new creature we have today, which you refer to as the hung Parliament, the rules we have now, are structured for a majoritarian Parliament, which we don’t have now. We are trying to tweak the rules a bit to incorporate some rules that can help us manage a situation like this. It has been very difficult to manage this Parliament.”
The 8th Parliament, since its commencement in 2021, has witnessed chaotic scenes due to its hung nature as both the Majority and Minority have 137 members each.
Alban Bagbin in his quest to leave a legacy after his tenure, has said a review needs to be done of the standing orders of the House to prevent such chaotic scenes and smooth decision-making.
