Former Majority Leader and former Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has expressed concerns about the implications of Mahama Ayariga’s appointment as Majority Leader in Parliament.
Speaking during an interview on Kumasi-based Ashh FM, he questioned Ayariga’s exclusion from the cabinet, highlighting the potential challenges it poses to the role’s effectiveness.
“A Majority Leader is not just the leader of the House; he is also the leader of government business,” Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu stated.
“This role is intricately linked to cabinet discussions. If you are not a member of cabinet, how can you lead government business effectively? How do you get convinced about government decisions to explain them to your colleagues in Parliament?”
The former Majority Leader emphasized that the position is more than ceremonial, requiring access to the highest levels of decision-making to function optimally.
He argued that being excluded from the cabinet not only weakens the Majority Leader’s authority but also risks undermining the respect of fellow parliamentarians and ministers.
“A Majority Leader must have a cabinet position to maintain esteem and deepen respect among colleagues,” he asserted.
“It is not for nothing that in other jurisdictions, the Majority Leader is equivalent to the Prime Minister.”
