By: Kwaku Mensah Abrampa | ignewss — Dormaa Ahenkro, Ghana
Political analyst Samuel Boateng has criticised the proposed 100 per cent increase in emoluments for Members of Parliament under the Article 71 arrangements, arguing that the performance of Parliament does not justify such a significant adjustment.
Mr Boateng questioned what he described as the exceptional nature of parliamentary work that warranted a 100 per cent salary increase, particularly when other public sector workers are receiving significantly lower adjustments.
He argued that Members of Parliament are public servants, just like teachers, police officers, medical professionals and other civil servants, and questioned why MPs should receive an increase of 100 per cent while other government employees are being considered for increases of 9, 8 or 6 per cent.
According to him, the disparity in remuneration has contributed to a situation where some teachers and medical professionals are abandoning their professions for politics in search of better financial conditions after years of struggling in their respective fields.
Mr Boateng also questioned the performance of MPs in delivering development to their constituencies, arguing that many have failed to adequately address pressing challenges confronting their constituents.
He said MPs often move around their constituencies while some residents continue to depend on unsafe sources of drinking water, while children in some communities still learn in deplorable conditions, including sitting on bare floors or studying under trees.
He further criticised MPs who accept ministerial appointments, saying such appointments can undermine their ability to devote sufficient attention to their parliamentary and constituency responsibilities.
According to him, some MPs become less responsive to their constituents after elections and only intensify their engagement as the next four-year electoral cycle approaches.
He therefore questioned the justification for granting MPs a substantial increase in remuneration when, in his view, their performance does not reflect the level of compensation being proposed.
Mr Boateng also expressed concern about what he described as the increasing influence of partisanship in Parliament, citing frequent walkouts and what he referred to as the “yeah, yeah” culture among lawmakers.
He said Parliament’s oversight responsibility was intended to ensure that governments remain accountable to citizens and deliver on the promises made before assuming office.
However, he argued that Parliament has not adequately exercised this mandate, particularly on issues that directly affect the welfare and livelihoods of ordinary Ghanaians.
He accused some MPs of prioritising partisan and personal interests over the concerns of the constituents they represent, saying Parliament must do more to address issues that can bring tangible relief to citizens.
Mr Boateng maintained that if MPs are considered deserving of a 100 per cent increase in their salaries, then other public servants should be considered for a similar adjustment.
Source: www.ignewss.com