The Asawase MP, Muntaka Mubarak says he spent about two weeks convincing National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs to vote for Alban Bagbin as the Speaker of Parliament.
According to him, although the former Nadowli Kaleo MP was from their side, there was no guarantee that all members of the party would be happy with his nomination.
He told Emefa Apawu on Joy News' The Probe Sunday that he spoke to the MPs individually for two weeks convincing them on why the House must have a Speaker from another party and not from the government side.
“We were trying to let them understand that this was in our national interest to get a Speaker on the other side so that we can put a check on the executive."
The two major parties clashed in parliament last Thursday at the inauguration of the 8th Parliament.
The stalemate prompted military and police intervention in the Chamber of Parliament.
The legislators were voting to choose the next Speaker of Parliament but there was chaos after the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) lawmakers defied the secret voting rule.
The ensuing clash lasted several hours until the army and the police moved in to restore order in the House.
After calm was restored, an opposition MP and a veteran politician Alban Bagbin was elected Speaker.
The veteran MP polled 138 votes against the immediate past Speaker Aaron Mike Ocquaye’s 136 with one MP failing to vote.
Even then, the Tema West MP Carlos Ahenkorah tried to mar the election after he snatched ballot papers and bolted with it.
Mr Bagbin makes history for being the first Speaker who is not selected by the governing party.
But it was not an easy road as the NDC Chief Whip, Muntaka Mubarak said it put his position to test to get members from his side to make the dream a reality.
"And I spent almost two and a half weeks after the election trying to reach out to as many members not only on our side but on the other side as well," he said.
Latest Stories
-
Discover Villanova, Ghana’s first AI-Homes launched
17 seconds -
From Gold Coast Ghana to Gold Cost Ghana?
16 mins -
There hasn’t been enough awareness about new curriculum – Parent
20 mins -
betPawa to invest GH¢7m into Ghana Premier League and Women’s FA Cup in 5yrs
24 mins -
Child poverty can be addressed with the right priorities and policies – UNICEF
25 mins -
Ghana’s exchange rate problems need more than gold purchases – IMANI
30 mins -
IMANI calls for review of Ghana’s procurement law to enhance transparency
30 mins -
Women in Worship organisers mad at Nigeria’s Ada Ehi over ‘no show’
31 mins -
Everything is more difficult now – Guardiola
37 mins -
Mahama will make the economy viable for the youth to become entrepreneurs – Osman Ayariga
41 mins -
East Legon crash: Police pursue TikTokers for ‘false claims’ about Salifu Amoako’s son’s location
1 hour -
Severe food shortage force some SHSs to serve repetitive meals
1 hour -
Don Julio 1942 launched by Guinness Ghana Breweries with an enchanting Halloween Ball celebration
1 hour -
3 Central Region MCEs intensify cholera control efforts after 5 deaths
1 hour -
Bawumia’s 12 ‘Bold Steps’ to expand educational opportunities for all
1 hour