Ernesto Yeboah, Commander-in-Chief of the Economic Fighters League (EFL), has thrown his weight behind calls for Alban Bagbin to retire from his position as Speaker of Parliament.
He argued that the Speaker has “done enough” and has benefited extensively from the current political system throughout his long-standing career.
The youth activist pointed out that Bagbin has been a primary beneficiary of Ghana’s Fourth Republic, transitioning from a long-term Member of Parliament to his eventual election as Speaker.
These remarks were made in response to the Speaker’s previous comments regarding the proposed construction of a new parliamentary complex.
Ernesto Yeboah dismissed the need for a new chamber, maintaining that the current facility is in good condition. He suggested that if the issue pertains to tenancy or ownership, the state should simply grant the legislature permanent ownership of the facility rather than maintaining its status as part of the State House.
“Leadership Defect” vs. Structural Defects
Speaking in an interview on As It Is Ghana via Rainbow Radio (87.5FM Ghana / 92.4FM UK), Yeboah characterised the push for a new building as a “leadership defect” rather than a structural one.
He described it as the greatest level of insensitivity on the part of the Speaker, and it was about time he stepped down.
He drew a sharp comparison to the UK Parliament, noting that they still utilise traditional benches in their chamber.
He found it ironic that Ghana would seek to build a lavish new chamber while simultaneously seeking loans from the UK.
Ernesto Yeboah described the Speaker as a member of a “selfish political elite” who prioritises personal interest over the national good.
“One of the biggest beneficiaries of the Fourth Republic is Alban Bagbin. When the Fourth Republic started in 1992, he was there. He has enjoyed and received ex gratia from that period till date. The only time he spoke against ex gratia was when he was nursing a presidential ambition. Bagbin has sold himself as a selfish political elite to the point that when it is in his favour, he is all for it, but when it goes against his interests, then he would want to mobilise Ghanaians against it.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
