Speaker Alban Bagbin of Parliament has fired back at President John Dramani Mahama over the choice of Majority Leader. The Speaker ruled that President Mahama's announcement of Builsa North MP James Agalga as the new Majority Leader was not in accordance with parliamentary procedure.
Speaker Bagbin Sets Record Straight on Majority Leader Choice
Speaker Bagbin explained that under Parliament's Standing Orders, any change in the leadership of the Majority or Minority Caucus must be formally communicated to the Speaker by the General Secretary of the political party concerned. The Speaker made the clarification when Parliament reconvened on Monday, August 24, 2026.
Mahama's Announcement Made in Error, Says Speaker Bagbin
Speaker Bagbin said the communication from the Presidency was made in error because the President had no authority to notify him of a change in parliamentary leadership. "The communication says acting because the President has no authority to communicate the change of the leadership of the House to the Speaker. And so it was actually done in error," he said.
Agalga's Formal Recognition Hinges on Party Procedures
Speaker Bagbin said Mr Agalga could only formally assume the position after the appropriate communication had been received from the governing party and the decision of the Majority Caucus had been conveyed to the House. He explained that until that process is completed, Mahama Ayariga remains the recognised Majority Leader. "That is why you still see that the Majority Leader is still in his seat, because he's still the Majority Leader, until otherwise communicated by the party and then decided by the caucus and the information passed on," he added.
Implications of Speaker Bagbin's Ruling
The Speaker's comments follow President Mahama's announcement of Mr Agalga as the new Majority Leader, replacing Mahama Ayariga, who is expected to take up a new role in government. The clarification means the formal recognition of Mr Agalga as Majority Leader is subject to the completion of the required parliamentary and party procedures.
What's Next for Agalga and the Majority Caucus
The next step for James Agalga and the Majority Caucus is to follow the proper parliamentary procedures to formally recognize him as Majority Leader. This involves the governing party communicating its decision to the Speaker, and the Majority Caucus conveying its decision to the House. Until then, Mahama Ayariga remains in his position as Majority Leader.
Source: Joy Online
