Former Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, has stated that the nation is not properly applying the roles of Members of Parliament (MPs) as a country.
In an interview on Starr Chat with Bola Ray, Prof Oquaye noted that it is wrong for members of parliament to make promises such as the construction of roads, in their bid to win a parliamentary seat in a constituency. This is because the fulfillment of such promises may be beyond the capability or role of the MP. He added that such promises are made due to public pressure and expectations.
“We are not applying the role of MPs well. MPs are saying they will make roads, they will do this, and they will do that as a result of the people’s push. It is wrong, actually, but we are all guilty of it. We are all guilty of it and in fact, the society expects you to do that,” Prof. Oquaye asserted.
He also expressed he is a strong advocate for granting autonomy to District Assemblies over the Common Fund, while Members of Parliament play a supervisory role in ensuring that funds are effectively allocated.
“At one time, I was advocating that concerning the common fund, they should leave all common funds to the assembly and let the assembly apply the common fund. The MP should help in directing how it should be done. They would not hold any money. He, she will not hold any money. In other words, no money will be given to him directly. He will not be involved in the dispensation of money, but he would rather inspect projects, whether projects are going well, whether the money being paid to a contractor is fair enough, whether shoddy work is being done or not, and certain things in his constituency. When this happens, nobody is going to come to the MP for money. It is not true at all,” he stated.
There is a need to educate and enlighten citizens so they would be rightly informed about the roles of MPs.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Salimatu Nuhu
