The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Member of Parliament for Bekwai Joseph Osei Owusu (Joewise) has said any leader in Parliament can or may choose to resign.
He said this when asked by journalists whether it is normal for leaders in Parliament to resign following the step down of Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu as Majority Leader.
Is it practical for leaders in parliament to resign? he was asked in Parliament on Thursday, February 22.
In answer, he said “Why not? Anybody who holds a position can or may resign…I don’t know about any time management, anybody can resign at any time.”
Mr Osei-Owusu further said he was disappointed about the resignation of Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu after describing him as an extremely hard-working person who should have stayed on for a while.
“I am personally disappointed that Kyei decided to stand down, he has been a fantastic leader and he is an extremely hardworking person and I would have wished that he stayed on to the end,” he told journalists in Parliament on Thursday Febraury 22.
The Member of Parliament for Suame Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu indicated after announcing his exit that he has served the NPP diligently ever since he entered Parliament.
Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu is currently one of the longest-serving lawmakers in Ghana. He entered Parliament on the same day as President Akufo-Addo did on January 7th, 1997.
He tendered his resignation as Majority Leader at a meeting involving the President, the Majority Caucus and the National Officers of the NPP at the Jubilee House on Wednesday, February 21, 2024.
“I have served the Party diligently ever since I entered Parliament on the same day, January 7th 1997, with the President. I believe I have served the Party very well to the best of my ability, and I have no regrets.
“There is a difficult battle ahead of us, to which enterprise all of us must commit ourselves. We are at a critical juncture that requires absolute unity and peace within our ranks to successfully prosecute the ‘Breaking the 8 Agenda’.
He added “In my absence from the Country, certain Issues had been raised to which I have been connected. I do not want to be the eye of the storm. Nothing should be done that would precipitate cataclysmic consequences. That is why I am stressing peace and unity.
“For those of my colleagues who are here, let me express my most sincere gratitude to you all for the partnership and assistance that you have provided to propel the agenda of the Party, and latterly, government.
“At this stage, I would want to inform Mr. President, the Members of Leadership, herein present, the Leadership of the Party, and all others, that I voluntarily declare my intent to step down as the Majority Leader before you my colleagues here and now, in order to afford the Caucus the opportunity to choose their leader. I thank you Mr. President for the opportunity afforded. Thank you all once again.”