Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu urges dialogue to resolve Parliamentary stand-off
29th October 2024
Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, former Majority Leader and current Member of Parliament for Suame, has called on parliamentary leadership to engage in open dialogue with Speaker Alban Bagbin to address recent tensions that have disrupted parliamentary proceedings.
Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu emphasized the importance of communication and cooperation among Parliament’s leadership to restore unity and functionality within the House, especially with the December 7, general elections fast approaching.
He warned that unresolved issues could impact the upcoming elections, potentially undermining Ghana’s democratic processes.
The recent tensions arose following Speaker Bagbin’s October 17 decision to declare four parliamentary seats vacant, leading to an indefinite adjournment of Parliament.
Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu expressed concern that the deadlock could stall vital legislative work, including critical preparations for the electoral cycle.
One significant issue at stake is the anticipated Constitutional Instrument (CI) from the Electoral Commission, which sets out the legal framework for the December 7 elections.
The former Majority Leader in Parliament noted that this CI has yet to be submitted, cautioning that further delays could disrupt the electoral timeline.
In remarks to the media on Monday, October 28, Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu stressed the urgency of resolving the impasse: “Maybe we need to engage because elections should be held.
And if elections must be held, every time that the presidential and general elections are going to be held, the Electoral Commission, for instance, will bring a CI to regulate the elections.”
His call for dialogue occurred during an Accra-based Joy News TV interview.