The Majority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has urged Speaker Alban Bagbin to embrace differing perspectives within Parliament and avoid positioning himself as above democratic debate.
His remarks came on Monday, November 11, outside the Supreme Court premises, following a hearing in which the apex court considered arguments from both plaintiffs and the Attorney-General regarding the issue of vacant parliamentary seats.
Addressing the media, Afenyo-Markin emphasised the importance of tolerance in parliamentary leadership, particularly for someone in the Speaker’s position.
He expressed concern that Speaker Bagbin should be open to hearing and considering divergent views rather than dismissing them.
“The Speaker should not see himself as a king or an emperor,” Afenyo-Markin remarked, stressing that Bagbin’s role necessitates a fair approach to the various voices within Parliament.