What at all is in parliament that everyone wants to become MP – Otumfuo to Speaker Bagbin
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has raised question about what exactly is in Parliament that everybody wants to become Member of Parliament (MP).
Receiving the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Sunday, June 30, 2024, His Majesty expressed grave concern that some people are even ready to insult and assault others in a bid to go to Parliament.
He said it was important for Parliament to look into the issue so that the nation we will know what to do.
Courtesy call
The Speaker who is on a three-day official visit to the Ashanti Region as part of a nationwide activities marking the 30th anniversary celebration of the Fourth Republic, used his visit to brief the King about his schedule.
He was accompanied by his wife, Linda Ofosuaa; the Second Deputy Speaker, Andrew Asiamah; the MP for Asokwa, Patricia Appiagyei; the MP for Sekyere Afram Plains, Alexander Adomako Mensah; the MP for Asante Akim Central, Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, Clerks of Parliament and other Parliamentary staff.
Wild promises
Otumfuo expressed concern about wild promises made by parliamentary candidates during electioneering campaigns. “How can you promise your constituents that if you win election and gets to Parliament, you will construct roads, when you know very well that MPs have no budget to run on.”
“What is expected of a parliamentary candidate is to tell the people in your constituency that you will represent them well by formulating laws that will benefit them and the entire country,” the King stated.
He said after enacting laws, and approving or rejecting loans, policies and programmes of government, MPs have a duty to go back to their people to explain to them why they took such decisions so the constituents would appreciate the work they are doing in Parliament.
Bagbin praises Otumfuo
Mr Bagbin praised the Asantehene for the wisdom he applies to get the best for his people and Ghana as a whole. He said he has learnt a lot from the effective way Otumfuo handles various matters in his kingdom.
