Former Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Suame, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu
Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, the former Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Suame Constituency, has stirred debate over the designation of “Chief of Staff” within President John Mahama’s new administration.
In an exclusive interview on Abusua965FM, Kyei Mensah-Bonsu critiqued the nomenclature, suggesting it deviates from established norms and creates potential ambiguities.
“I think it’s a mistake in terms of nomenclature,” Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu stated plainly during the interview with Kojo Marfo on AbusuaNkommo at Abusua965FM. He elaborated on his concern, emphasizing the conventional understanding of the role. “Everywhere, a Chief of Staff is designated as such for the Presidency, not for the President personally. The Chief of Staff serves the Presidency, which includes the Office of the Vice President.”
He argued that having a Chief of Staff solely for the President, alongside another for the Vice President, creates confusion regarding seniority and overall responsibility.
Kyei Mensah-Bonsu questioned the clarity of command and responsibility this structure implies.
“Who then is the overall Chief of Staff, and who is the Senior Chief of Staff?” he asked rhetorically. “I believe it’s simply a mistake in nomenclature. The person coordinating the Office of the Vice President cannot rightfully be called a Chief of Staff, maybe coordinator or coordinator general for the vice president’s office”.
He added “But to designate someone as Chief of staff at the President’s office, implying that the Chief of staff serves only the President, and then have another chief of staff for vice President, raises questions”.
The comments come in the wake of President Mahama’s recent appointments, which include Julius Debrah as Chief of Staff. Another key figure named to the President-elect’s office is Dr. Callistus Mahama as Executive Secretary to the President.
However, a Presidency Communication signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Acting Spokesperson to the President, announced the appointment to the Office of the Vice President, with Alex Perceval Segbefia as the Chief of Staff to the Vice President. Other appointments to the office include Mrs. Alberta Graham as Head of Administration.
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