Parliamentarians have let Ghanaians down – Anyimadu-Antwi

The Member of Parliament for Asante Akim Central in the Ashanti region, Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, has admitted that parliamentarians in Ghana have failed to lead up to expectation due to excessive sycophancy amongst members in the legislative arm of government.

He said the presidential system of governance in Ghana is very detrimental to objectivity in decision-making process amongst parliamentarians, as members believe they are obliged to defend the interest of the president in power for favours.

Honourable Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi added that the majority NDC members in parliament care less about excessive government spending especially in situations where finance bills do not conform to stated policies and contain unannounced increases in spending and borrowing.

The Member of Parliament made these comments on a London-based radio station, Hot FM, during a political programme called Ghana’s Biggest conversation hosted by Kofi Marfo, (Sir Richie) on Sunday.

He said if NDC parliamentarians do understand parliamentary procedures and practice, then they must avoid party patronage and political sycophancy at the expense of national interest, which he said, must take precedence.

The MP added that fear of retribution and restrictions from President John Mahama on his MP’s means their selfish interest always comes first and not the nation.

Mr Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi added that the only solution to this menace would be a reformation of the constitution to ensure the absolute independence of parliamentarians to discuss issues of national interest without fear from any quarter.

Honourable Anyimadu-Antwi reminded parliamentarians that their role is not to serve the president but rather falls within the realm of politics aimed at mediating the socio-economic and political interest of the people of Ghana, which he said, makes them the key institutional bridge between the state and the civil society.

The Asante Akim Central MP reiterated that if parliament is effective, conflicting interests between the majority and minority would peacefully be resolved and a national consensus forged for national development.

On the December 7 elections, the MP said, the best deal is coming from Nana Akufo-Addo based on his plans for the good people of Ghana but not President Mahama who has run out of ideas.