New Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Builsa North, James Agalga, has pledged to pursue consensus-building, consultation and cooperation as he assumes leadership of the Majority Caucus in Parliament.
Mr Agalga committed last Thursday after formally taking over from Mahama Ayariga, who has been appointed Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
He expressed gratitude to the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the NDC Caucus in Parliament and his colleagues for the confidence reposed in him to serve as Majority Leader.
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“I accept this responsibility with utmost humility,” Mr Agalga said, describing his new position as a learning curve.
He said he would draw extensively on the experience and wisdom of Speaker Alban Bagbin in conducting parliamentary business.
According to Mr Agalga, the Speaker’s previous experience as Minority Leader, Majority Leader, minister and now Speaker of Parliament provides him with a wealth of knowledge that can guide the new Majority leadership.
“I shall continue to tap into your vast experience and wisdom in leading this House,” he told the Speaker.
The new Majority Leader also thanked outgoing Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga for his leadership and welcomed his assurance that he would remain available to support the new leadership despite leaving the Majority leadership position.
Mr Agalga said he would continue to rely on Mr Ayariga for guidance as he settles into his new responsibilities.
He also acknowledged the experience of members of the Majority front bench and pledged to learn from them while providing the leadership required to ensure that government business progresses smoothly in Parliament.
“I will learn from you with humility. 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 extended an assurance to Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and the entire Minority Caucus that his leadership would prioritise consensus-building.
He said he was prepared to consult, engage and make compromises where necessary in the interest of Parliament and the country.
“My approach in this House would hinge first on consensus-building. We can make compromises as and when necessary. I would reach out; I would consult,” he said.
However, he stressed that consensus would not prevent him from working to advance President John Dramani Mahama’s Reset Agenda, which he said is intended to improve the well-being of Ghanaians.
The new Majority Leader also pledged to work closely with the Parliamentary Service, the Clerk and his team to advance parliamentary democracy.
He said he would rely on the Parliamentary Service for research, administrative support and other matters concerning the effective functioning of the House.
He expressed confidence that the Clerk and his team would provide the necessary support to enable him to succeed.
Mr James Agalga commended Speaker Alban Bagbin for his guidance and support to both sides of the House, particularly during difficult moments.
He credited the Speaker’s experience and leadership with helping to maintain cohesion in Parliament.
“Your wisdom and experience are what have kept this House together,” Mr Agalga said.
He pledged to learn from the Speaker and work towards strengthening unity in Parliament as the legislative arm of government.
The new Majority Leader also acknowledged the work of the parliamentary press corps and assured journalists that they would have his cooperation as he assumes his new position.
He pledged to count on the parliamentary press for support while also ensuring that the media remained an important partner in his work as Majority Leader.