Former Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei-Owusu, popularly known as Joe Wise, has launched a scathing attack on Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, accusing him of running Parliament like a personal empire. According to Joe Wise, Bagbin’s leadership style has become dictatorial, often sidelining due process and making unilateral decisions.
Speaking in an interview on Monday, Joe Wise expressed frustration over what he described as the Speaker’s overreach, stating that Bagbin behaves as though he alone constitutes the entire legislative arm of government.
“Bagbin is a dictator. He thinks he is Parliament. But Parliament is not about one person; it is a collective institution where decisions should be made democratically,” he said.
Claims of Bias and Unilateral Decisions
Joe Wise, who also served as the First Deputy Speaker, accused Bagbin of making decisions that favor the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) at the expense of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). He alleged that the Speaker has repeatedly disregarded parliamentary rules and traditions, often using his authority to push through decisions without broad consultation.
“His rulings sometimes appear politically motivated. The Speaker should be neutral, but what we are seeing is a clear attempt to bend the rules in favor of one side,” he added.
His comments come in the wake of recent parliamentary debates where tensions have flared between the majority and minority caucuses. The Majority in Parliament has often raised concerns over what they perceive as Bagbin’s unwillingness to accommodate their interests, particularly on controversial legislative matters.
Bagbin Remains Silent Amidst Controversy
Speaker Bagbin has yet to publicly respond to Joe Wise’s comments. However, sources close to his office suggest he remains unfazed by the criticisms and is focused on maintaining the integrity of Parliament.
Dr. Kobby Mensah, a political analyst, noted that “Parliament has become a battlefield for political control. Bagbin is operating in a complex environment where both sides want dominance. His leadership will always be contested by those who feel disadvantaged.”
As the disagreements within Parliament persist, many Ghanaians will be watching closely to see how Speaker Bagbin manages the growing dissent within the legislature.
