According to Ahmed Ibrahim, the First Deputy Minority Whip, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) primaries could have a big impact on Ghana’s Parliament.
There is a significant problem due to the loss of institutional memory and competence, as eighteen incumbent NPP MPs have decided not to run for reelection.
Speaking of the NPP, Ahmed Ibrahim compared it to the recent NDC primaries, in which eighteen MPs were also removed. He was concerned about the trend of veteran politicians quitting Parliament.
He singled out as a possible blow to Parliament’s ability the exit of experienced politician Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, who was trained by the illustrious JH Mensah.
“Are you claiming that the departure of Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, who received training under J.H. Mensah, won’t have a detrimental effect on parliament? It will. In terms of representation, you will have someone to stand in for you; however, in terms of replacement, the departing MP’s institutional memory and ability cannot be replaced, and this will have a detrimental effect on parliament. We adopt you, give you our best, and then discard you.
He went on to say that one factor in their decision to go is the government’s underuse of seasoned MPs. Using Joe Ghartey and Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi as examples, Ibrahim emphasized their unfulfilled potential and dearth of important positions in the administration.
“You see Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, and you see Joe Ghartey. He is holding a post number zero. Joe Ghartey is holding a zero post. I’m able to give you the names of the seniors. Former Attorney General and Deputy Speaker Joe Ghartey feels underutilized in his current position since his party is not making use of him. And do you think he will run for office again after that? He won’t.
“Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, a law professor from Tech, is here. They dismissed him and appointed a rookie to the position of Attorney General, or Deputy Attorney General at the time. There is still Anyimadu-Antwi, a law instructor with sixteen years of parliamentary experience.
Ibrahim called on the administration to be proactive in retaining seasoned lawmakers and use their knowledge. He underlined how crucial it is to acknowledge their contributions and provide them with positions that make use of their abilities.