New Majority Leader Agalga Pledges Unity, Consensus and Effective Governance
New Majority Leader James Agalga has pledged to make consensus-building, consultation and unity the cornerstone of his leadership as he assumes responsibility for government business in Parliament.
The Member of Parliament for Builsa North gave the assurance after officially taking over from Mahama Ayariga as Majority Leader, saying he would work closely with the Minority Caucus to strengthen cooperation and enable Parliament to effectively discharge its constitutional mandate.
Addressing the House on Thursday, Mr Agalga assured Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and members of the Minority bench that he would pursue an inclusive leadership style while remaining committed to advancing the government’s agenda.
“My leadership approach will hinge first on consensus-building. If I can make compromises as and when necessary, I assure you I will give it to you, and I will reach out and consult,” he said.
He, however, stressed that his commitment to consensus would not undermine his responsibility to ensure the effective conduct of government business.
“At the same time, I will work to ensure that the reset agenda of our President is accomplished for the betterment of all of us,” Mr Agalga added.
In his acceptance speech as the new Leader of Government Business, Mr Agalga said he would approach the new responsibility with humility and remain open to learning from colleagues, particularly those with extensive experience in Parliament.
“But in doing so, I shall be spirited in providing the leadership that is most desirous in ensuring that government business thrives in this House,” he said.
Mr Agalga assumed the position after Mr Ayariga formally informed the Speaker and the House of the leadership change effected by the national executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) before Parliament went on recess.
The transition was marked by a warm exchange between the two leaders, who hugged amid cheers from members of the House before swapping seats.
Mr Agalga expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama, the leadership of the NDC, the Majority Caucus and the Minority bench for the confidence reposed in him.
“I accept this responsibility with utmost humility,” he said, describing his appointment as a new learning curve.
He said he would draw extensively on the wisdom and experience of Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, whom he described as a valuable source of institutional knowledge.
“Mr Speaker, you have served as the Minority Leader and the Majority Leader before and, by the grace of God, you are now the Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana. I shall continue to tap from your vast experience and wisdom in leading this august House,” he said.
Mr Agalga also acknowledged the contribution of his predecessor, saying although Mr Ayariga had relinquished the Majority leadership, he would continue to rely on him for guidance and support.
He further pledged to work closely with the Parliamentary Service and the Clerk-to-Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, and his team to strengthen parliamentary democracy.
“Again, I will rely heavily on them for support in terms of research and matters that border on the administration of the House in general,” he said.
Turning to the Speaker, Mr Agalga commended Mr Bagbin for the guidance and support he had provided to both sides of the House, saying his leadership had helped maintain cohesion in Parliament.
“We shall continue to rely on you for support in very difficult moments, as your wisdom and experience are what have kept this House together,” he said.
“That kind of cohesion you have managed to foster in this House is very commendable, and I will learn under your feet to ensure we continue to foster unity in the delivery of the mandate of this House as the legislative arm of government.”
Mr Agalga also extended his appreciation to members of the Parliamentary Press Corps, assuring journalists that they would remain important partners in his leadership.
“I assure you that you will become worthy partners as I assume the mantle of leadership in this House. You can count on me, and I will also count on your support to succeed,” he said.
For his part, the outgoing Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, expressed confidence in his successor, describing him as capable of providing effective leadership to the Majority Caucus and the wider House.
“Having been here for a while and having chaired a number of committees, ranked on a number of committees, served as a deputy minister and, in the process, demonstrated competence and ability, I have no doubt that he will do well and excel as a leader,” Mr Ayariga said.
He subsequently urged members of Parliament to give Mr Agalga the necessary support to enable him to succeed in his new role.
Source: Felix Nyaaba/ expressnewsghana.com
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