The Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has offered justification for the commencement of parliamentary sessions with the recitation of the National Pledge.

He emphasized the need to instill a sense of patriotism and nationalism in the citizens, stating that beginning this practice in the legislature is crucial.

“You travel to some places, you go to the US, Canada, UK, Switzerland, Germany, everywhere you go on, they will hoist the national flag but it has not been part of us.

“Even though we believe it is late but better late than never, we must inculcate into ourselves nationalism and patriotism and where else to begin this exercise is the House of the representative of this country so that is why we want to do what we want to do,” he told Johnnie Hughes on the Sunrise show on 3FM Wednesday, February 7.

In an interview with Johnnie Hughes on the Sunrise show on 3FM, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu highlighted the absence of the tradition of hoisting the national flag in various places, contrasting it with international norms.

Despite acknowledging the belated introduction of this practice, he stressed the importance of fostering nationalism and patriotism, identifying the House of Representatives as an ideal starting point for such initiatives.

The decision to incorporate the National Pledge into parliamentary sessions followed a modification of the Standing Orders.

While the immediate reason for this decision remains unclear, the wording of the National Pledge emphasizes citizens' commitment to being faithful and loyal to Ghana.

Additionally, under the revised Standing Orders, independent bodies like the Electoral Commission, CHRAJ boss, BoG governor, NCCE, and the Auditor General will be subject to questioning similar to ministers.

The Deputy Minority Whip in Parliament, Ahmed Ibrahim, clarified these modifications, highlighting that independent bodies would now face interrogation by committees, allowing for a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to questioning and accountability.