MOPA Holds Third Engagement Series With Core Leadership of Parliament

The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs ( MOPA) has held its Third Engagement series with the core leadership of Parliament on the theme: Institutional Credibility and Democratic Consolidation in Ghana - Parliament in focus, in Accra.

Speaking at the program, the Majority Leader and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Hon Osei-Kyei Mensah Bonsu emphasized the need to ensure the credibility of democratic institutions such as Parliament to enhance the realization of the purpose of its existence as representatives of the people.

"The credibility of Parliament depends much on the attitude of Members of Parliament towards business of the House particularly regarding attendance and punctuality," he said.

Hon Osei-Kyei Mensah Bonsu expressed worry about increasing monitisation within political parties in the country especially in the process of electing Parliamentary candidates and party executives adding that "the quality or capacity of persons who are elected to serve will be compromised if care is not taken".

Hon Osei-Kyei Mensah Bonsu urged leadership and all members of Parliament to work hard to uphold the dignity of Parliament .

The Minority Leader and MP for Tamale South Hon Haruna Iddrisu stressed the need for the country to have a bipartisan position on the number of ministers that could be appointed by the President in order not to bring undue financial burden on the state.

"A major threat to Ghana's democracy presently is the placing of emphasis on money within the activities of political parties of which the NDC and NPP are most guilty," the Minority Leader stated.

The Acting Chief Director of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs Dr Evans Aggrey Darko said ensuring vibrant democracy in the country depends largely on building credible and strong institutions to inspire confidence and faith in the people.

"Our democracy is still evolving and hopefully Ghana will be consolidated to help improve the lives of the people," Dr Evans Aggrey Darko added.

Contributing to the discussion the Senior Minister Hon Yaw Osafo Marfo urged Parliament to work towards making itself credible.

"Parliamentarians must speak Ghana and not only represent their constituents," Mr Osafo Marfo stated.

He said Parliament is doing well but there is more room for improvement.

The Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament and MP for Nadoli/Kaleo Hon Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin cautioned that some utterances made by people like Hon Kenedy Agyepong MP for Assin Central and A-plus on social media could plunge the country into chaos like the Arab spring.