MPs Propose Reduced Sitting Days Due To High Cost Of Fuel

Some Members of Parliament have proposed that the House be made to sit twice a week instead of the four times due to recent incessant increase in prices of fuel.

This, the MPs say, when adopted, would mitigate the impact of the rising prices of fuel on their pockets, as they express concerns over little activity in the House sometimes.

With diesel currently selling at an expensive price of about Ghc23 a litre and petrol almost Ghc18, MP for Asuogyaman, Ampem Nyarko, argued that lawmakers keep expending fuel to attend to the House while there is little activity in parliament.

Speaking during the presentation of the business statement, the MP called on the house to consider the proposal in order to bring some relief to members who are struggling to fuel their vehicles.

“Looking a the kind of business we have, is it not possible to pack the day? If it’s even eight hours, we will be willing to stay, do the business for like two days. We can sit for six hours a day, instead of coming for two hours. That way, we can save about Ghc500 cedis on fuel every week,” he said.

However, Majority Leader and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu described the call as unfortunate. According to him, the current economic crisis requires that productivity is increased and MPs are no exception.

“We all recognize that fuel prices are escalated dramatically. Of course, the other factor we must admit is the strength of our local currency now. When we are in dire circumstances, that is when we are called upon to increase productivity.

For a Member of Parliament to say that we should be working two days in a week, that is a very apocalyptic declaration from the member of parliament. What will be the effect on national productivity, and what will be the effect on GDP? It is an unfortunate call on us to work just two days a week,” he noted.

Source: B&FT