Ministerial post tied to most parliamentary aspirations – Allotey

Bernard Allotey Jacobs, Central Regional chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) has posited that ministerial appointment was a key factor that motivated most people to aspire to enter parliament.

He is of the firm view that the attraction of likely becoming a minister, riding in a big car and residing in government bungalow had led to a situation where every Tom, Dick and Harry, wants to go to parliament.

The erstwhile NDC communications director made the observations as part ongoing discussions into the opposition NPP's parliamentary primaries which saw a number of incumbent Members of Parliament losing their seats in some instances to very young aspirants.

To back his claims, he made reference to article 78 (1) of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates the president as follows; "Ministers of State shall be appointed by the President with the prior approval of Parliament from among members of Parliament or persons qualified to be elected as members of Parliament, except that the majority of Ministers of State shall be appointed from among members of Parliament."

He insists that first time Members of Parliament (MPs) had to be protected as well as old and experienced hands in the legislature.

He also warned his party to learn from the lapses that were seen in the NPP's process, particularly bemoaning the 'wanton display of money,' charging that the NDC should ensure their process is smoother.