There was a mini showdown in Parliament on Tuesday 23 March 2021 between the Speaker Alban Bagbin and his long-time friend Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, leader of the majority side.
Bagbin had referred a petition by former governor of Bank of Ghana Dr Kwabena Duffuor over the collapse of uniBank to a yet-to-be formed seven-member committee of the House.
The petition which was laid by Bawku Central lawmaker Mahama Ayariga was challenged by Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu who is also the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, arguing the matter was before a court.
Bagbin then overruled his assertion which resulted in a back forth between the two good friends.
“You don’t lead Parliament. You lead the business of the House. You lead the majority and you lead government business. As to the role of Speaker you’ve not been there yet. When you get there you’ll do so,” Bagbin said.
Then he went on to question the authenticity of their friendship ever since he got elevated.
“You’ve been my good friend from all these years, until I became Speaker. Everybody in Ghana was doubting whether indeed you were really my friend. I’ve received a lot of calls about us and I said you’re my friend and you’re still my friend. Please don’t give credence to that,” Bagbin stressed before overruling Mensah-Bonsu‘s challenge.
Source: TheBBCghana.Com
