What happens when Papa is gone?

The news of the elevation of Papa Owusu Ankoma that should have normally gladdened members of the Majority in Parliament has rather left most shocked.

The Sekondi Member of Parliament has been nominated to replace the sacked Minister of Youth and Sports, Mallam Ali Yusuf Isa.

Papa Ankoma, 43, a surprise choice to fill the chair of the Deputy Majority Leader, was largely tipped for the Communications portfolio. He also stood for the media when members attacked the fourth estate.

He had articulated very well issues on communications and endeared himself to communicators by his deep knowledge and interest during the last term.

Papa, who was called to the bar in 1981, took with him the self-confidence and excellent debating skills to the front bench of the NPP and most of the time held his opponents at bay.

"He was like a windbreak for us. He screamed to scare, laughed to please and most of the time succeeded in pulling the Minority along by brokering deals, which helped the house a lot," Mr Prince Oduro Mensah, NPP-Techiman North said.

A two termer, who wants to remain anonymous said, "I think we have made a very wrong move. The man is simply the best man for the job he was doing".

When the announcement got through, members formed various circles whispering among themselves. Others just stood akimbo and surveyed the ceiling.

Papa Ankoma told the GNA: 'I am a team player and I am prepared to take any position that the Captain (President Kufuor) thinks I can handle."

Papa Ankoma said: "I believe that if one commits oneself to any endeavour, one would be successful. I came to Parliament to serve my country and my party and I think I put in my best. I believe good wishes will follow me anywhere I go.

"I have always adopted various lifestyles to suit various situations. I, one time had a beard and moustache but now I have shaved everything and even bought for myself Chaucerian spectacles. I may have to put a stop to the wearing of ties and jackets. I believe that is the way it has to be."

Papa Ankoma said: " Yeah, I would miss my role in Parliament but I will make sure that I effectively combine my ministerial duties, when I am approved, with the Parliamentary business. I may not enjoy the attention I'm used to. I may not bow very often but I will put myself at the service of the Majority in the house".

What has perhaps created a lot of difficulties for the party is the constitutional requirement that the majority of the executive must come from within Parliament.

With its slim majority of 100 and a strong 92 NDC Minority, the NPP has already "lost" most of its strong voices to the Executive.

It is expected that the national executive of the NPP, will in due course appoint a member to be succeed the man from Sekondi.

Two names readily come to mind- Mr Abraham Ossei Aiddo, Majority Chief Whip and member for Tema West and Mr. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, Deputy Chief Whip and member for Old Tafo Suame.

Both are two termers, who are well versed in Parliamentary life. Papa, son of a Kwahu settler in the Ahantaland is probably about to be given a new challenge to reassert himself after living in the shadow of Mr J. H. Mensah, the Majority Leader, a man whose political life spans the entire political history of Ghana.

The now pervading question in the corridors of Parliament is: "What happens when Papa is gone?"