The Speaker of Parliament, Right Honourable Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin in attempt to cut the Majority leader, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu to size, during a heated debate on the Floor of the House, pointed out that he as the Speaker of the 8^th Parliament, holds the third most powerful position in Ghana.

The statement was followed by a question, which was near a “bombshell”, from the Speaker to the Majority leader to also state his position in the country that order of things.

This, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu responded that although Mr Bagbin is the Speaker, he is not part of the ruling government.

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In the heated exchanges, Speaker Badgin replied that he has not stated anywhere that he is part of the government of the day but the fact is he holds the third position in the country, which Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu must tell the world his.

The Majority leader also informed the Speaker, he [Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu] is the leader of government business as well as parliament.

Rt. Hon. Bagbin replied he has already stated so but reminded Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu that he is not the leader of the Speaker and that the he [majority leader] is not at his position.

The Speaker further went on to complain about how the Majority leader had recently been conducting himself, especially towards him, adding that this has caused lots of people to call and find out from him whether they were still friends.

He went to say if Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu still wants to be his friend then the current approach towards their friendship must change for the better.

Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu also responded that although they are still friends, friendship is mutual.

But the Speaker insisted that Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu must rather work his ways to continuously be Bagbin’s friend.

How the Speaker and the Majority leader conducted themselves yesterday on the Floor of the House

Majority leader: Even when you were the Deputy Speaker, you were insistent that members speak from their seat so that you will be able to identify them. But what I notice is that ever since you made that pronouncement, as the day went on you have relaxed the rules. I encourage you to be consistent with this, so that everybody will speak from his or her seat.

Pointing his index figure towards the Speaker, he repeated, the rules should not be relaxed, “I will encourage you to do that.”

At this instance, he raised his voice, “don’t relax the rules.”

Speaker: Hon. Majority leader, the business of government is led by you in this House. 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 the Speaker, you haven’t reached there yet. When you gets there you will do so.

Please you’ve been my very good friend for all these years until I became Speaker. And everybody in Ghana is doubting whether you were really my friend. I have received a lots of calls about that and I said you are my friend and still my friend, and people are still doubting it. Please don’t give credence to that doubt.

Majority leader: Respectfully, I haven’t stopped being your friend after you became the Speaker. You and I know that we are still friends. But we agree to disagree. Mr Speaker with respect, Majority leaders don’t only act as leaders for the majority caucus when also their party is in power, majority leader is the leader of the House.

Speaker: I stated it.

Majority leader: Thank you very much.

Speaker: But you are not the leader of the Speaker. It looks like you are my former friend now. Because I hear you always on air disagreeing with me and so vehement that people are doubting is this really my friend. So I’m just drawing your attention if you want to continuously to be my friend, then you know the proper thing to do.

Majority leader: If I want to be your friend and you want to be my friend is mutual.

Speaker: You have to be my friend not me want to be your friend. At least I have a position in Ghana, number 3, what is your number.

By Adelaide Oforiwaa