Legal practitioner Prof. Stephen Kwaku Asare has criticized former President John Mahama for openly mandating Parliament to elect Alban Bagbin as Speaker for the 9th Parliament.

According to him, a more subtle approach would have been appropriate.

Prof. Asare made these remarks during an appearance on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, January 11.

"I don't understand why political parties can sit somewhere and impose leaders on parliamentarians if we elect parliamentarians who... are not trusted enough to appoint their own leaders, and party bosses must impose leaders on them. I think that's a huge problem."

He argued that Mr. Mahama’s directive, issued through a formal letter, reinforces the perception that the President wields excessive influence over parliamentary affairs.

He was backed by the other panelists like Oliver Barker-Vormawor and Prof Kofi Abotsi.

The debate follows Mr. Bagbin’s election as Speaker, which occurred in the wake of John Mahama’s victory in the 2024 presidential election.

"And then when we do these in insertions [via the constitution], we are quick to say the President has too much power. Who is giving the President too much power? We are the ones giving him too much power by saying, well, because he can lobby, then there's nothing wrong with officially communicating that this person should be appointed speaker. There's a way of doing it as Prof Abotsi was saying, by just doing it in the background, and as a citizen, he has the right to do it in the background," Prof Asare added.

However, President Mahama’s special aide, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, defended the former President’s approach.

Speaking on the same programme, she acknowledged that while the method might not have been ideal, it helped to ease tensions during a historically contentious period.

According to her, some consideration should be given to the unique circumstances surrounding this moment in Ghana's history.

She however admitted that the criticisms are welcome and will be accepted in good faith going forward.