As Hon. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu steps down from his role as the majority leader of the ruling party in Ghana’s Parliament, it is important to acknowledge his remarkable legacy.
Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has been a towering figure in Ghanaian politics, serving his country and people with unrelenting dedication, integrity, and distinction.
Throughout his illustrious career, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has exemplified true leadership, resilience, and commitment to the betterment of his constituents and the nation.
His journey in Parliament, from his early days as a backbencher to his pivotal role as the Majority Leader, is a testament to his exceptional work ethic, perseverance, and ability to earn the respect and trust of his colleagues.
The former Majority Leader was beloved by many for his admirable and extensive knowledge of the parliamentary ecosystem.
Many Ghanaians were shocked to the core when news broke that Mr. Bonsu had resigned from his position as the majority leader.
Before resigning from his current role, Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu served as a Member of Parliament, representing the Suame Constituency in Kumasi, Ghana’s second-largest city.
He first entered Parliament in 1997 at 40, making him the third youngest MP on the NPP side.
Despite not being initially appointed as a Spokesperson or Deputy Spokesperson by the Party, he worked his way up and eventually earned the position of Co-Deputy Spokesperson for Youth and Sports, Works, and Housing.
Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu was the only person to have been recognized for his contributions.
Despite being a non-lawyer and a backbencher of the Caucus, he single-handedly wrote the Caucus’ Constitution/Rules, which guided the conduct of NPP members in Parliament.
He was deeply committed to the success of the Parliamentary Party and often assisted the then Minority Leader, J. H. Mensah. In recognition of his dedication, J. H. Mensah appointed him as the Secretary to the NPP group in Parliament.
His versatility was acknowledged when the then Speaker of Parliament nominated him to accompany him on various trips, including a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) international conference in New Zealand.
In the 1997–2000 group, he was the face of youth and sports, forestry matters, and works and housing, despite not being the official spokesperson for these areas.
Despite expectations, he was not named as the Minister for Youth and Sports when the NPP won the presidential and general elections in 2001.
Similarly, he was not appointed as the Deputy Minister for Works and Housing, despite strong lobbying efforts. Instead, in 2001, he was appointed as Deputy Majority Whip in consultation with the Parliamentary Leader, J. H. Mensah.
He later rose to the position of Chief Whip after a series of leadership changes within the party. When the then-majority leader announced his intention to contest for the presidential candidate of the NPP in 2007, Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu moved up to become the deputy majority leader.
During his tenure as Deputy Whip, Chief Whip, and Deputy Leader, all the Majority Leaders—J. H. Mensah, Papa Owusu Ankomah, Felix Owusu Adjapong, and Ossei Aidooh—attested to the fact that Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu worked tirelessly to support them.
When the NPP lost power in 2008 and a new Parliament was ushered in, the NPP MPs united behind him and had the party appoint him as the Minority Leader, despite lobbying from some elderly colleagues.
For the eight years that he served as the Minority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu distinguished himself and positioned the party as a credible alternative administration.
His advocacy was thorough, well-researched, and intellectual, yet presented in a down-to-earth manner.
His inclusive and unblemished leadership style was evident when a group of MPs attempted to change the leader in 2013, but their attempt was thwarted by the larger group in Parliament working together with the central party under Jake Obetsebi Lamptey and Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, aka, ‘’Sir John’’.
In the lead-up to the 2016 Presidential and General Elections, the NPP Minority Caucus, under the leadership of Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, worked tirelessly and unrelentingly towards the victory of the NPP through various activities in Parliament, information platforms, press conferences, lectures, symposia, television and radio interviews, and other political engagements.
Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu played a pivotal role in crafting and polishing bills in Parliament, both as a Minority Leader and in the first chapter of the Nana Akufo Addo administration.
His knowledge and expertise in parliamentary practice across various subject matters have made him a sought-after voice in the media.
He has been a principled and stoic defender of the party and government, both in government and in opposition.
His contribution to our democracy in the area of governance is significant, and his diplomatic skills as the Majority Leader in a near-hung parliament are admirable.
Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s versatility became evident when he was authorized by the President to present the Budget Statement and Economic Policy for the year 2021 in the absence of a Finance Minister.
His role as a unifier and harmonizer in the House of Parliament and the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs has helped ease off rancorous and acrimonious relationships between MPs, MMDCEs, and regional ministers.
The Technical Committee at the Ministry, which includes members from both the NPP and the NDC, has contributed to the harmonization of relationships and the benefit of the nation.
Undoubtedly, we can spend the rest of February writing and reading about the remarkable Osei-Kyei Mensah. He is brimming with so many stories that time may only permit us to reveal a few.
In conclusion, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s resignation as the majority leader marks the end of an era characterized by exceptional leadership and dedication.
His impact on Ghanaian politics, governance, and community development will be felt for years to come.
The Honorable Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu will always be remembered and deeply missed by Ghanaians and people around the world.
What can only be said at the moment is that we wish him all the best in his future endeavours.
