Member of Parliament for Tamale South and the Minority Leader, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, has expressed his concern that leadership of the Minority would make a strong case for hard working incumbent lawmakers, to be maintained by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
In an encounter with some members of the Parliamentary Press Corp, Mr. Iddrisu explained that the leadership would take into account, punctual Parliamentarians, both at committee sittings and on the floor of the house.
“Most of the time, the leadership looks back on the floor of the House to take stock of MPs who are in the chamber and also participate in parliamentary businesses. We should make strong recommendations to parties that have representation in Parliament on this issue”, he further added.
Mr. Haruna Iddrisu noted that party candidates at the primaries cannot be imposed on the constituencies, but it will be in the best interest for delegates to maintain hard working and punctual incumbent MPs.
“In the case of some MPs who are hardworking, our parties must allow us to grade them, by ensuring that the MPs are really delivering on their mandates”, he spoke.
The Majority Leader reiterated that some incumbent MPs are undermined by some constituency delegates, due to their financial status and the level of influence in the constituency.
“We should find a way of keeping the hard working and experienced lawmakers. We need the experienced hands in Parliament”, he emphasised.
Initial position of the Majority Leader
The Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Suame, Mr. Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, had earlier indicated that the best way Parliament can operate effectively is to maintain incumbent MPs.
Mr. Mensah-Bonsu had constantly held the position that new members in the house sometimes, make committee and plenary work very stressful.
In his quest to kick against the introduction and election of inexperienced new MPs, Mr. Mensah-Bonsu suggested that political parties must understand the essence of experienced incumbent MPs.
Source: GhanaJustice/S.Ayisi