Charles Nii Teiko Tagoe, a presidential aide, recently expressed strong criticism of Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, accusing him of leading Ghana’s 8th Parliament with “pettiness” and an “inferiority complex.”
In a Facebook post on Friday, November 8, 2024, Tagoe labeled Bagbin as the “worst Speaker of Parliament” in Ghana’s history and claimed his leadership has had a negative impact on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s administration.
Tagoe’s post highlighted the challenges of navigating a split Parliament, where Bagbin, a member of the opposition, holds the Speaker role. He argued that Bagbin’s actions have been motivated by a desire to “frustrate government business,” asserting that this obstructive approach has contributed to ongoing difficulties in advancing the government’s agenda.
“This 8th Parliament of The Republic of Ghana is one big joke. I feel sorry for Ghana, I feel sorry for President Akufo-Addo for having to endure… a split Parliament with an Opposition Speaker, all too eager to ensure government business fails,” Tagoe wrote.
He further alleged that Bagbin’s leadership style has not been conducive to constructive governance. According to Tagoe, Bagbin’s approach undermines patriotism, as he accuses the opposition of using “frustration” tactics to hinder government progress. “
A political group that believes their only surefire route to victory is to frustrate government from delivering on its legitimate business cannot be patriots and should not be allowed to get away with it,” Tagoe’s post continued.
As the 8th Parliament draws to a close, Tagoe expressed hope for change in the upcoming 9th Parliament. “Thankfully, there are only two months to go, and in between, the good people of Ghana will have their say and way on what the shape of the 9th Parliament will be. It shall be well,” he concluded.
The statement has generated varied reactions from political commentators and the public, as discussions intensify ahead of Ghana’s 2024 general elections.
With a new Parliament and possibly new leadership on the horizon, the future of Ghana’s legislative direction remains a subject of considerable interest.
