Comfort Doyoe Prefers Parliamentary Leadership Over Ministerial Role
Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe, a prominent Ada Member of Parliament, has firmly stated her preference for a position in parliamentary leadership over a ministerial role. The Deputy Majority Whip finds greater value and influence in her current post. She explained her intentional decision during an interview on Citi Eyewitness News. Furthermore, she based her choice on a strong understanding of government structures and responsibilities.
“When people start crying, ‘Why didn’t they make you a minister?’ I laugh,” she said. “They don’t understand the two roles. After all, when you lead the House, all MP-ministers serve under you when they enter the chamber.”
Cudjoe emphasized her front-bench leadership role in Parliament. It gives her more legislative authority and oversight than a ministerial post. She also noted a minister must follow a leader inside the chamber. On the other hand, she commands a front-bench position. “I don’t know why they say I should leave the front bench,” she said. “I should go and be a minister and sit behind a leader in the chamber. Let me be in the front.” She added, “All the ministers who come to the chamber if I turn to them and say I need this, I get it done.”
Cudjoe has previously served as a minister. Therefore, she noted her decision not to return to the executive arm was deliberate. Additionally, she declined several offers. She made her intentions clear from the very beginning of her party’s victory, informed her party and told her leadership of her decision. “When we won power, all of them said they wanted to be ministers. I told them I want to be a leader.” Her preference for parliamentary leadership over a ministerial role highlights a unique power dynamic in Ghana’s government.
The lawmaker believes her Deputy Majority Whip post gives her significant influence over legislative decisions and executive oversight. The strategic importance of a parliamentary leadership position is clear. For this reason, this holds especially true for veteran lawmakers who seek to shape policy directly from within the legislature. Cudjoe’s position provides her with authority over her party’s members in the House, including those who serve as ministers. Her choice reflects a strategic approach to power, ultimately favoring legislative influence over executive duties.
Source: Citi Eyewitness News
