Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority Leader, delivered a poignant farewell address in honour of the Hon. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, who officially resigned as the Majority Leader.
He has been replaced his deputy Alexander Afenyo-Markin, MP for Affutu.
Dr. Forson expressed profound respect and admiration for his former colleague, acknowledging the significant impact of Hon. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s leadership and his unexpected departure from Parliament.
“The news of his resignation was a surprise to us all,” Dr. Forson stated, stressing the void that would be left in the wake of his exit.
Dr. Forson praised the former Majority Leader’s unparalleled contributions to Ghana’s legislature, emphasizing his extensive experience and knowledge in parliamentary practice and procedure.
“He has left a permanent footprint that will be difficult to surpass,” Dr. Forson stated, reflecting on the Hon. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s remarkable journey through the ranks of parliamentary leadership.
The Minority Leader also commended his colleague’s outstanding leadership qualities, his rigorous attention to detail, and his personable nature, which earned him the respect and admiration of his peers.
“His uniquely humane and personable nature have always commanded respect,” Dr. Forson noted.
Hon. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu tendered in his resignation as Majority leader after rumours that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) had effected changes in the front bench of the majority caucus.
A list of the new leadership was released on social media, which the Majority caucus led by the member for Bekwai denied knowledge of and insisted the status quo would remain.
Following an emergency meeting with President Akufo-Addo, Vice President Bawumia and member of the Majority caucus, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu was reported to have resigned from his position though no official resignation letter was ever cited.
Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu first became a member of the Parliament in January 1997, representing the people of Old Tafo, in the Suame Constituency of the Ashanti Region.[
He has kept his seat since then, representing his constituency in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th Parliaments of the 4th Republic.
He is the chairperson for the Special Budget, House, and Business Committees. He is also a member of the Finance, Mines and Energy Standing Orders and Selection Committees.
Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu was elected by the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) as its new acting Vice-Chairperson and assumed the position after winning an election in which he competed against Garry Brownlee from New Zealand.