Attacks on Minority Leadership and calls for a change unfortunate – Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

The Majority Leader in Parliament, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has described as “unfortunate”, calls for a change in the leadership of the Minority in Parliament by some members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

These calls follow the approval of some Ministers of State by Parliament and the resignation of the MP for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa after the approval of Ken Ofori-Atta as Finance Minister.

Speaking on The Probe he intimated that the excitement that followed the election of Speaker Alban Bagbin led many to believe that the NDC would hold sway in Parliament. However, in spite of having a Speaker from the opposition as well as having equal numbers on either side of the aisle, it would seem that the ruling party still holds the advantage in Parliament.

However, Mr Kyei-Mensah believes that it will be unwise for the NDC to change leadership, describing Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu as a “man of steel” and not one to be corrupted as people assume.

“I would say that Haruna is one of their best materials, in terms of articulation, experience, knowledge, depth and balance.”

He stated that although he may not always agree with Mr Iddrisu, he believes that he is a brilliant guy and an asset to the NDC.

“My own problem with him is sometimes I tell him that as a Minority Leader you must be consistent. You must be coherent. For instance, when we are closing, he will just get up and will be talking to issues.”

“They are a staccato approach, so he will touch base on this matter and move to the next, and I tell him that as a Minority Leader sit down and craft your speech so that you are consistent and have that flow. Haruna is a brilliant guy.”

He, however, expressed concern at the Minority’s stance to always push for vote, in the hopes that it would change the course of the Majority’s plan.

“People seem to think that ‘if you push them something will happen and we will have our way’. But, when push comes to shove right you will not get it. It is a matter of government policy, a ruling party policy, you will not get any of us (NPP) to step aside to say that we will not support it.”

“So, that is how it is. So on policy issues, clear lines will be drawn. If you want to push for every time voting, as I said, you will be seen as a mere obstructionist and that will not be good for the image of a party that is standing by to be recognised as an alternative administration,” he told Emefa Apawu, host of the show.

Meanwhile, former MP for Tamale Central Inusah Fuseini also says the Minority in Parliament does not need a change in leadership despite the criticisms and backlash they are facing.

Speaking on Newsfile, he stated that changing leaders will only deepen the cracks within the rank and file of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

He added that although he does not believe the Minority Leaders in Parliament have betrayed the grassroots, they, however, failed to manage the expectations of their supporters in view of the composition of the 8th Parliament.