Former Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has asserted that Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, should have been given a ministerial appointment and included in Cabinet.
Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, the former Suame MP explained that Ayariga’s role as Majority Leader automatically positions him as the leader of government business.
He noted that Ayariga’s exclusion from the ministerial appointment and Cabinet weakens his authority. “Mahama Ayariga should have been appointed a Minister and Cabinet Minister because, as Majority Leader, he is in charge of government business, which is discussed at Cabinet,” he stated.
The former Minister for Parliamentary Affairs expressed concerns about Ayariga’s inability to contribute meaningfully at Cabinet meetings, as he has not sworn an oath and thus cannot fully participate in decision-making processes.
“He may be present at Cabinet meetings, but he’s just a spectator and cannot really contribute to issues with his comments,” he said.
Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu also emphasized the challenges Ayariga would face in controlling his colleagues, as his authority is limited without a ministerial position.
“When he is not a Cabinet Minister, he cannot really control his colleagues; they will not submit to him as they should,” he noted.
He added that Ayariga’s lack of a ministerial role would hinder his ability to present government business in parliament, as only ministers are allowed to submit papers.
“He would have to beg a Deputy Minister to lay it on his behalf in the absence of a minister,” he lamented.
ALSO READ: