A deputy Attorney General and MP for Tempane, Hon. Joseph Dindiok Kpemka has described Majority Leader in Parliament, Osei-Kyei Mensa Bonsu as an embodiment of Ghana’s democracy, one which he believes ought to be maintained in parliament till he decides to retire.
According to him, the expertise and competence of Mr. Mensa Bonsu, as far as parliamentary procedures and practices are concerned, make it only appropriate that he is maintained as the sitting member of parliament, at least till he steps back on his own.
Osei-Kyei Mensa Bonsu had earlier said it will be suicidal for the NPP government if he is contested in the upcoming party primaries for sitting MPs.
He noted how dire the consequences could be if personalities including himself, the First Deputy Speaker and Minister for Education are put up against others in a contest for their parliamentary seats.
Speaking on Newsfile on Joynews Saturday, Mr. Kpemka though endorsed Osei Kyei Mensa, insisted that due process be followed and fairness be displayed. He proposed that rather than withhold forms from other contestants, consensus be reached through talks with these persons.
“Honorable Osei-Kyei Mensa Bonsu, the man is an embodiment of our democracy in parliament, no dispute about it. The practices and procedures in parliament, he is a master. And I admire him, sometimes he speaks as though he is a lawyer so such a person should be protected but not through undemocratic processes.” He said.
“This is his 7th term and if I heard rightly, he said he is ready to retire in 2024. As our leader, if we have to talk to people and ensure that he retires in dignity and all that, it will be better than allowing him to go through this whole competitive thing.”
The lawyer further added. “The party leadership; those manning the affairs, their position is that the opportunity should be given to everyone interested to contest.”
Meanwhile, Majority Leader in Parliament, Osei-Kyei Mensah Bonsu has apologized to founding member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Kwame Amoako Tuffour who has indicated his intentions to contest, after the former angrily questioned his [Amoako Tuffuor] relevance both at the party level and government.
Some controversies have emerged between the two following pronouncements by Dr Amoako Tuffuor over the upcoming primaries vis-à-vis the party’s intention of protecting some very important MPs from being contested.
The Majority Leader who was livid at the intervention made by Dr Amoako Tuffuor over the party’s planned protection of some key MPs in the upcoming race fumed at the party elder for joining the fray in criticizing the party over such moves.