MPs are better off not being in parliament – Ursula

The incumbent New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for the Ablekuma West Constituency in the Greater Accra region, Ursula Owusu Ekulful says the financial condition of most parliamentarians have deteriorated since they became lawmakers.

Speaking to Morning Starr host Nii Arday Clegg Tuesday, Mrs. Ekulful said majority of MPs live in perpetual debts due to the financial pressure on them by their constituents.

“People are coming to you for school fees, funeral donations, jobs, sustenance and the problems that they are plagued with daily...and so you are compelled to go around begging and borrowing.

“A lot of MPs live in debts…many many MPs borrow to be able to finance their campaign and are saddled with their debts into the future.

“Some of us were much better off when we in private life than we are in public life, I consider being in Parliament a sacrifice to the nation because it is my responsibility to give something back but not what I am getting.”

Mrs. Ekulful’s comment comes after a research conducted by the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) Ghana indicated that majority of Ghanaians elect MPs based on what they will benefit from them directly and not what the MPs can deliver.

According to the research, voters do not assess candidates against the performance of their core duties especially in the case of MPs.

The Head of Research at the CDD, Dr. Franklin Oduro said citizens should be made to understand the core responsibilities of MPs and what they should be held accountable for.