Parliament approves credit agreement of GH?50.00million for MP's offices

Parliament has approved a loan of GH?50.00 million for the construction and furnishing of constituency offices for members of Parliament.

According to the report of the joint committee of Finance and Housing, the committee is requesting for approval for the provision of guarantee by the government of Ghana in respect of credit agreement between Sino Africa Development Company limited and Fidelity Bank limited.


The request was laid in the House on Friday July 20, 2012 and referred to the joint Committee on Finance and Housing for consideration.


The report signed jointly by Mr. James Klutse Avedzi, Chairman of the Committee, Alhaji Rashid Pelpuo, Deputy Majority Leader.


Mr. Klutse, who read the report on the floor of Parliament said, the purpose of the request was to seek the approval of Parliament for government of Ghana to provide guarantee cover for the amount.


He said the committee observed that members of Parliament currently rely on family members and friends for secretarial support in the performance of their mandate.


Mr. Klutse noted that most MPs keep their files and documents in their vehicles, a situation which causes them to lose many valuable and sensitive documents.

Additionally, the time spent by members of Parliament in their constituencies is thought of as one of the most gratifying and productive periods in the discharge of their duties as members of Parliament.


He said the provision of the offices would afford members the opportunity to stay in constant touch with the constituents and also afford the constituents the opportunity to meet their MPs at a designated place.


The building is expected to compose of an entrance terrace, reception, MPs Office, washroom, store room, meeting room, kitchenette and a lobby.


Mr. Kluste said each member would be required to liaise with his or her district assembly to provide a suitable land for the project in the constituency.


The approval of the loan follows late President Mills 2009 State of the Nation address to Parliament where he pledged to among other things see to the construction and furnishing of constituency offices for members of Parliament.


The pledge was re-affirmed in the President’s 2010 State of the Nation Address, and in connection with this commitment, Sino Africa Development Company was undertaking the construction and furnishing of constituency offices for members of Parliament in all 320 constituencies of the country.**