Ellen Ama Daaku, a Special Aide to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has publicly called on Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, to refrain from what she describes as persistent interference in the operations of the Office of the Vice President.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, Daaku accused the Speaker of exceeding the constitutional boundaries of his position.
She characterized his actions as “unnecessary disturbances” that detract from the executive’s focus on governance and national development.
According to Daaku, the Vice President’s office remains fully committed to implementing its policy agenda and delivering on its mandate to Ghanaians, and must be allowed to function without what she termed “counterproductive distractions” from parliamentary leadership.
Her remarks highlight growing friction between Ghana’s legislative and executive branches.
In recent weeks, reports have emerged of parliamentary leadership making public statements and interventions on matters traditionally falling under the purview of the Vice President’s office.
While the specific incidents triggering Daaku’s response were not detailed in the statement, sources suggest underlying disagreements over protocol, institutional mandates, and shifting political dynamics are fueling the tension.
Political observers note that the Speaker’s constitutional responsibility is to preside over parliamentary business and ensure legislative oversight of the executive.
However, Daaku’s comments reveal mounting executive sensitivity to what it perceives as mission creep by the legislature.
Analysts caution that such public rebukes risk deepening partisan divisions and eroding the collaborative spirit necessary for effective governance.
The situation is further complicated by Ghana’s evolving political climate. With electoral cycles approaching, both the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC)—to which Speaker Bagbin belongs—are positioning themselves strategically.
Daaku’s decision to speak out publicly rather than pursue private consultations has raised eyebrows, though it also reflects the heightened stakes and impatience within the Vice President’s inner circle.
Daaku reaffirmed that Dr. Bawumia remains focused on his policy portfolio, including economic transformation and digital innovation.
She urged all state actors, particularly those in legislative leadership, to respect institutional boundaries and avoid actions that could derail the government’s development priorities.
As of now, Speaker Bagbin’s office has not issued an official response to the allegations.
However, political analysts suggest that without immediate, discreet engagement between the two arms of government, this public spat could escalate—potentially stalling legislative business and inflaming partisan tensions.
The incident underscores a recurring challenge in Ghana’s Fourth Republic: navigating the delicate balance between parliamentary oversight and executive autonomy.
Whether this episode becomes a fleeting disagreement or a protracted institutional conflict will depend largely on the willingness of both leaders to prioritise dialogue over public exchanges.