Majority leadership change ‘shocking’ – ACEPA’s boss

The African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA) boss, Dr Rasheed Draman, has expressed shock over the anticipated change in Parliament’s Majority leadership. In an interview on Joy FM, Dr Draman cautioned that frequent reshuffles involving senior parliamentary figures could undermine the separation of powers and disrupt legislative business.

This warning came after Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga was nominated by President John Dramani Mahama for a Ministerial role in Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs. The nomination is set to pave the way for James Agalga, a Builsa North Member of Parliament, to assume the role of Majority Leader, pending the completion of parliamentary processes.

Dr Draman's reaction reflects longstanding concerns about the close relationship between the Executive and the Legislature. He emphasized that abrupt changes in parliamentary leadership have historically impacted the work of Parliament, with some legislative initiatives losing momentum when key leaders are reassigned to the Executive.

Dr Draman stressed that leadership continuity is crucial for sustaining parliamentary reforms and preventing interruptions to ongoing legislative work stemming from Cabinet appointments. While expressing concern about the transition, he expressed hope that the work initiated by Ayariga over the past two years would continue under his successor.