Concerns Grow Over MP's Car Loan

Concerns by MP’s that they may not be able to repay their 20,000-dollar car loans have been met with stiff opposition from the people they represent. The public opposition come in the wake of complaints by the MPs of low salaries, which make it impossible for them to clear the loans during their four-year term.

But the Majority Chief Whip Kyei Mensah Bonsu says MPs who are unable to pay back their car loans before the end of their term next year will fall on their ex-gratia benefits. Speaking on JOY FM’s Super Morning Show, the Mr. Mensah said arrangements were made for MP’s to make monthly payments of 1.2 million cedis while ministers pay 1.5 million cedis.

Minority Whip, Edward Doe Ajaho told Joy News that many of the MPs will not be able to settle their loans given their 300-dollar salaries. But his deputy, John Tia says the MPs may be able to redeem their loans based on discussions and arrangements from the onset.

Meanwhile some observers have expressed doubts whether the MPs were expected to pay back the loans or not. The Executive Associate Director of the Center for Democratic Development, Dr. Baafuor Agyeman Duah, says there’s a need to clarify the status of what is being described as a loan for the cars.

Dr. Baafuor Agyeman Duah also believes that the ongoing controversy over the loans should lead to a revision of providing the needs of parliamentarians once and for all..