The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has disclosed that he declined an offer from then-President John Dramani Mahama to chair the Board of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIS). His revelation came as he voiced strong concerns about the growing trend of Members of Parliament (MPs) simultaneously holding ministerial and other executive positions, including memberships on boards of state agencies.
According to Speaker Bagbin, this practice severely undermines Parliament’s crucial role in overseeing the work of the Executive. He argued that it is improper for members of the House to sit on boards of state agencies, make decisions, and then be required to approve those very decisions as legislators.
“I, for example, as Majority Leader in 2009, when I was offered a position to be Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, I rejected it. I could not see the authority of a Majority Leader – the leader of the House – as a minister to be under the dictates and directives of the Executive. So, I have always argued against the Majority Leader, the leader of the House, being a Minister of State,” he explained.
He further elaborated on his decision regarding the NHIS Board chairmanship: “Today, I was offered to be Chair of the National Health Insurance Authority. As you all know, Speakers chair it. I rejected it because I think it’s not proper to go and chair the board, submit reports under the supervision of a minister. The Speaker is now under a minister, and the report will come to the House and the House will now be presided over by the minister – the Speaker.”
“I said, no, I rejected it but that’s what used to happen. Some of you don’t know that it’s not proper. You cannot go and chair the boards, the corporations, work over there, submit reports through the minister, the minister submits the report to Parliament. Then you come and preside over those reports and approve or disapprove. Please, issues of conflict of interest and prejudice arise,” Speaker Bagbin added, emphasizing the ethical dilemmas inherent in such dual roles.
Watch the Speaker’s remarks in the video below:
@kaks2010 We keep learning by reading and listening. Thank you speaker! #fypシ゚ #goviral ♬ original sound – KaksOsahenBa🌹
Source: http://thepressradio.com
