Former Defence Minister has said the Builsa North MP James Agalga who is the leading contender to become the next Majority Leader of Parliament lacks the leadership experience requ
The report indicates that former Defence Minister has stated the Builsa North MP James Agalga who is the leading contender to become the next Majority Leader of Parliament, lacks the leadership experience required for his new role and must quickly adapt if he is to succeed in managing government business in Parliament.
It further notes that speaking on The Pulse on JoyNews on Friday, August 7, while discussing President John Dramani Mahama’s recent reshuffle, Dominic Nitiwul stated although Mr Agalga is a capable and resilient politician, leading the Majority Caucus demands experience that can only be acquired over time.
“Agalga is a very tough, tough, tough guy. You know, he’s a very tough guy.”
Mr Nitiwul, however, stated toughness alone would not be enough to navigate the demands of parliamentary leadership.
“The only thing he needs to realise is that he does not have the experience of leadership.”
He explained that several senior Members of Parliament, including Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, former Majority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh, Patricia Appiagyei and Habib Iddrisu, had spent years in leadership positions and therefore possessed valuable experience.
“Afenyo-Markin, Annoh-Dompreh, Patricia Appiagyei, and Habib have the experience of leadership. They have been there. All the four of them have been there long before him. Some of them have done seven years, six years. Some of them have done six and a half years.”
According to Mr Nitiwul, leadership is not only a calling but also a skill that is developed through experience.
“It is a calling. But apart from that, it is a skill that you need to learn on your feet.”
He stated that Mr Agalga entered Parliament around the same period as Mr Afenyo-Markin and therefore understands parliamentary procedure, adding that he was not surprised President Mahama selected him for the position.
“When it comes to parliamentary work, Agalga came in, I think, 2012. So he came with Afenyo. They are mates. So he has an idea about how to go about leadership. So I’m not surprised that the president picked him to go.”
Mr Nitiwul stated he believed Mr Agalga would have been considered for the Defence Ministry if he had not been appointed Majority Leader.
“If he didn’t go there, then he would have gone to Defence.”
Despite expressing confidence in Mr Agalga’s ability, Mr Nitiwul cautioned that the new Majority Leader would have to settle into the role quickly or risk losing control of proceedings in the House.
