The two deputy speakers of Parliament can’t be NDC MPs, one has to be NDC, Independent, or an NPP MP – Samuel Obeng, Executive Director, Parliamentary Network Africa
Samuel Obeng, the Executive Director of Parliamentary Network Africa, has raised significant concerns regarding the composition of Ghana’s parliamentary leadership. His recent remarks on the role of Deputy Speakers have sparked debate, emphasizing that the positions cannot both be filled by Members of Parliament (MPs) from the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Obeng speaking on Kessben FM Maakye said, one of the Deputy Speaker positions should be occupied by either an NDC member, an Independent MP, or a representative from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). This assertion is rooted in the need for balance and fairness in the distribution of power within the parliamentary structure.
In Ghana’s parliamentary system, the election of Deputy Speakers is a critical function, as these individuals are tasked with maintaining order in the House, overseeing parliamentary proceedings, and representing the Speaker in their absence. Given the importance of the role, Obeng argues that it is essential to maintain a balance between the major political parties in Ghana to uphold fairness, transparency, and national unity.
Obeng’s statement highlights the traditional expectation that both the government (NPP) and the opposition (NDC) should share the leadership responsibilities in Parliament. The concern arises from the idea that, if both Deputy Speakers were NDC MPs, it might create an imbalance of power and make it difficult for the majority party (NPP) to manage parliamentary proceedings effectively. Furthermore, it could diminish the ability to create a sense of national cohesion, especially in an institution as crucial as Parliament.
Obeng’s viewpoint underscores the need for inclusivity and political diversity in Ghana’s parliamentary leadership. He argues that the presence of a representative from the NPP, an Independent MP, or a member of the NDC alongside an NDC member would ensure a fairer and more representative leadership structure. This would not only reflect the will of the electorate but also maintain the integrity of the parliamentary process, which is seen as a key pillar of Ghana’s democratic governance.
While the NDC holds a significant presence in Parliament, with many MPs playing influential roles, Obeng’s stance reflects the broader need to avoid a situation where the opposition party dominates the leadership of Parliament. He further emphasized that the leadership structure should reflect the political reality, where the NPP currently holds the majority of seats in Parliament.
The concern of partisanship within parliamentary leadership has been a topic of discussion in many parliamentary systems, including Ghana’s. Obeng’s comments suggest that Parliament should avoid an environment where decisions are overly partisan or driven by the interests of a single party. The role of the Deputy Speaker should be impartial and neutral, and this becomes more challenging if both positions are occupied by MPs from the same party.
This sentiment is particularly relevant in the current political climate in Ghana, where intense partisan rivalry between the NPP and NDC often spills over into the parliamentary space. Therefore, Obeng’s suggestion is that by ensuring political diversity among the Deputy Speakers, the balance of power will better reflect Ghana’s democratic ideals and promote an atmosphere of mutual respect in Parliament.
As the debate around the election of Deputy Speakers continues, Obeng’s remarks provide a thought-provoking perspective on the need for balance and fairness in Ghana’s Parliament. The selection process for Deputy Speakers is an essential part of maintaining the democratic principles on which the country is built. To achieve this, it is crucial to ensure that the leadership of Parliament represents the diverse political spectrum, allowing for constructive dialogue and checks and balances.
