Politics

Kweku Kwarteng suggests capping number of MPs

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Obuasi West Constituency in the Ashanti Region, Kwaku Kwarteng, has suggested the capping of the number of Members of Parliament in the country as part of measures to cut costs within the Legislature.

“It is time to cap the members of Parliament for the nation because the country cannot continue creating new constituencies and districts, government after government” MrKwarteng stressed.

He said the government intended to spend GHC137.5 billion, while GHC100.5 billion is to be raised as total revenue for 2022 and currently, there were 275 seats in Parliament and hinted that there were plans to create a new seat for the Guan Constituency in the Oti Region.

Mr Kwarteng, who is the Chairman of the Finance Committee of Parliament, also urged the House to look out for other ways it could cut cost, adding that are there ways the leadership of Parliament can cut cost as the country sought to bridge the gap between revenue and expenditure.

“Not only should Parliament be approving and supporting government in the initiatives, we as parliament must also lead by example and sole sourcing in parliament as an area that needs addressing to protect democratic governance.

“Are we going to deal with sole sourcing procurement by the House, should we continue, for example, to procure these glossy calendars and glossy diaries year-on-year for Parliament for which we have very little utilisation?” Mr Kwarteng quizzed.

He cautioned that it was not enough for MPs to be out there calling out the Executive and asking it to demonstrate commitment, dedication and determination to fiscal prudence and they must set the example for the other arms of government to emulate, especially Article 71 officeholders. –citinewsroom.com

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