Former Bekwai MP and First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei-Owusu, has expressed concern about what he describes as a decline in discipline and standards within Parliament, warning that excessive “youthful exuberance” is undermining the institution’s credibility.
Speaking on Nhyira 104.5 FM’s “Kro Yi Mu Nsem” programme on Friday, June 5, 2026, the veteran legislator reflected on the state of the House after serving four terms in Parliament, saying it no longer reflects the decorum he once knew.
“There is too much youthful exuberance in Parliament, and it doesn’t matter what your age is. When you get to the chamber, you must behave like an orderly person,” he stated.
Mr. Osei-Owusu told host Nana Kwabena Ampratwum that he has no desire to return to Parliament in its current form and does not regret ending his legislative career.
“Parliament in its current state holds no interest for me. I do not miss it at all and do not regret walking away. The calibre of members supposed to be there and the level of discipline have been on a steady decline, which should be a major concern,” he said.
According to him, political parties must take greater responsibility in selecting parliamentary candidates who possess maturity, discipline and a commitment to national development.
“The declining calibre of members and erosion of discipline are a serious concern. Political parties must nominate disciplined, mature candidates who have Ghana’s interests at heart, and voters should support them,” he added.
The former lawmaker also stressed the importance of retaining experienced MPs in Parliament to mentor newer legislators and preserve institutional knowledge.
Without such continuity, he warned, Parliament risks losing valuable expertise and weakening its effectiveness.
“Political parties have a responsibility to safeguard experienced MPs, ensuring they remain in Parliament long enough to mentor newer members and transfer institutional knowledge. This continuity helps maintain legislative effectiveness and preserves the culture of the House,” he noted.
Mr. Osei-Owusu further argued that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has been more consistent than the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in retaining seasoned lawmakers who can guide younger members.
He also reiterated his long-standing call for full-time Members of Parliament, arguing that the practice of appointing a large number of ministers from Parliament weakens the legislature’s oversight and law-making functions.
Mr. Osei-Owusu, who served as First Deputy Speaker from 2017 to 2024, presided over some of Parliament’s most contentious sittings, including the turbulent proceedings surrounding the election of the Speaker in 2021.
He has previously advocated stricter enforcement of Parliament’s Standing Orders and urged MPs to remember that their conduct is constantly under public scrutiny.
His latest remarks come amid growing public concern over incidents of heckling, walkouts and occasional physical confrontations that have disrupted proceedings in both the 8th and 9th Parliaments.
