According to A Plus, he now understands why MPs want sirens.
The recently elected Member of Parliament (MP) for Gomoa Central, Kwame Asare Obeng, often known as A Plus, has expressed a change in his opinion about MPs using sirens to direct traffic.
In an interview, A Plus talked about his personal experience in office and how it changed his earlier stance on the contentious practice.
“I remember that before I entered Parliament, I was complaining about MPs and why they wanted sirens,” he confessed. “I called my friend, who is a dispatch rider. I said, ‘Where are you?’ He said, ‘I am at my place.’ I said, ‘Please, I need you to take me out of this traffic and get me to the constituency now and bring me back to Parliament.’”
A Plus said, looking back on his brief tenure in government, that he now understands why Members of Parliament support the lawful use of sirens because of his dual roles as a legislator and a constituency representative.
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He clarified, “It is not an easy task at all.” For example, I was in my constituency today with the President. In Gomoa Pomadze, the Ahmadiyya Muslim community had its yearly convention. I had to be in Parliament and at the convention simultaneously.
The logistical difficulties MPs encounter, especially those whose seats are located distant from Accra, were highlighted by A Plus.
Can you picture having to accompany the President to a constituency in, say, Paga and then returning to Parliament that same day? It’s challenging,” he said.
As an independent candidate, the Gomoa Central MP, who gained notoriety as an activist and singer, won his seat in the 2024 parliamentary elections. His remarks are in light of the last Parliament’s unsuccessful attempt to enact laws authorizing the use of sirens by Members of Parliament and other government personnel. The plan was widely criticized by the public, who claimed it would put officials’ convenience ahead of that of regular people.
Although A Plus acknowledges the difficulties of his position, his remarks could rekindle the discussion about whether or not MPs should be permitted to use sirens. His frank comments provide a unique window into the strains experienced by lawmakers and emphasize the difficulties of striking a balance between legislative responsibilities and constituency duties.
The public will probably keep examining such recommendations as the debate progresses, balancing their necessity against the wider ramifications for traffic laws and equity.
SOURCE: PULSE GHANA
