The former Majority Leader in Parliament, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has admitted that he misses being in the legislative house, even though he remains actively engaged with its leadership.
In an interview on Joy News’ PM Express Personality Profile on Friday, March 14, he reflected on his time in Parliament and how his absence made him realize the weight of his role.
“Human as I am, I do miss Parliament,” the former Suame MP confessed.
“Occasionally, things come up, and you think that, well, maybe if I were to be around, I would be doing things differently.”
Having served in Parliament for nearly three decades, Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu was a dominant force in Ghana’s legislature.
He played a crucial role in shaping policies, guiding the Majority Caucus, and managing legislative affairs.
Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s decision not to seek re-election marked the end of an era, and while he has since moved on, the former Suame MP admits that he still feels a strong connection to the house.
“But let me say that I also engage the leadership on both sides, and colleagues call when there are issues to test my mind on those matters,” he revealed.
“And I think so far, so good—a few hiccups, though, that I thought shouldn’t have happened the way they did.”
Despite no longer being a sitting MP, his wealth of experience continues to be a valuable resource for Parliament.
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu noted that he is frequently consulted on key legislative matters and decision-making processes.
His departure came at a time when Ghana’s Parliament was undergoing significant shifts, with a near-equal split between the Majority and Minority caucuses.
When asked about how Parliament is faring in his absence, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu acknowledged that while there have been some challenges, progress is being made.
“We’re making progress,” Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu stated, though his tone suggested a hint of concern.
His words implied that, while he has faith in the current leadership, there have been moments where he felt things could have been handled differently had he been present.
The former Majority Leader did not explicitly mention any particular incidents, but his reflections indicate a deep attachment to the institution he once served.
His continued involvement, even from the sidelines, is a testament to his enduring influence in Ghana’s political landscape.
As the country prepares for the next phase of its political journey, it remains to be seen what role Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu will play in the future.
For now, he watches from a distance, advising where necessary and occasionally feeling the pull of the chamber he once called home.
