Mahama shouldn’t have openly directed Parliament to elect Speaker – Prof. Kwaku Asare

Legal practitioner Prof. Stephen Kwaku Asare has criticized President John Mahama for openly directing Parliament to elect Alban Bagbin as Speaker for the 9th Parliament.

Speaking on JoyNews’ *Newsfile* on January 11, Prof. Asare argued that the directive, issued through a formal letter, reinforces the perception of excessive presidential influence over parliamentary affairs.

He suggested a more discreet approach, emphasizing that parliamentarians should be trusted to appoint their own leaders without party interference.

Other panelists, including Oliver Barker-Vormawor and Prof. Kofi Abotsi, supported Asare’s view, highlighting concerns about the consolidation of presidential power.

However, Mahama’s aide, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, defended the directive, noting it eased tensions during a challenging period in Ghana’s history, while acknowledging room for improvement in future approaches.