Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP for North Tongu, and Patrick Boamah, MP for Okaikwei Central, have introduced a private members’ resolution asking Parliament to reject a $28 million loan to fund the purchase of vehicles for lawmakers.
They instead want the state to equip members with the logistics they need to fulfill their responsibilities, as allowed for under Article 71 of Ghana’s 1992 constitution, according to the motion seen by Citi News.
“Since publishing the piece, I’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback, and I’d want to thank my colleague on the opposite side, Patrick Boamah.”
The North Tongu even said some MPs would have wished to have been part of the motion.
“When some of our colleagues found out that we had filed our private motion to the speaker’s office, they even suggested that we should have included a place for them to sign as well.”
The $28 million loan arrangement to Parliament for the purchase of cars for the 275 members of Parliament has sparked widespread outrage.
Each MP is anticipated to earn more than $100,000 for the purchase of a car based on the amount.
The government will cover 60% of the debt, including all accumulated interest, and MPs will cover the other 40%.
Mr. Ablakwa has previously urged his colleagues to reject the practice of the government providing loans to MPs for car purchases.
He believes that MPs, like everyone else, should be allowed to obtain private loans.
Mr. Ablakwa further said that the whole Article 71 emoluments system is in desperate need of reform.
Mr. Boamah, the Vice-Chairman of Parliament’s Finance Committee, proposed that the government explore establishing a carpool for MPs to utilize throughout their periods in office.
He further claimed that the public outcry over the loan was unjustified since MPs ultimately pay back some of the money spent on the automobiles, while colleagues in other branches of government have access to similar vehicles as a condition of their employment.
Source: ATLFMNEWSROOM
