Tell Ghanaians the positive aspects of loans - Bagbin to NPP

Honourable Member of Parliament for Nadowli/Kaleo Constituency, Alban Kingsford Sumani Bagbin, has implored Members of Parliament to take it upon themselves the duty of letting Ghanaians know about the benefits derived from loans secured by government.

He made this call on the floor of the house during the debate that preceded the unanimous approval of the 2015 mid-year budget review that included a Eurobond of US$1,500,000

During the debate, members of the opposition were of the view that the loans acquired by government have done nothing to better the lot of the people despite subsequently approving it unanimously.

In conclusion, the majority leader indicated that most of the good things that has happened to the country over the years are as the result of loans contracted by successive governments since independence.

To bring a cool end to the rather heated debate, The former Minister of Health gave an account of his personal experience in 1977 when he was called to travel to Accra to take part in the recruitment process into the Ghana Arm Forces, but had to be delayed for three days in Bole because the plateau that transported people over the Bamboi river had developed a fault and therefore travellers had to wait until it was repaired.

As if that was not enough, he had to travel through the dust from the Northern Region to Accra to undertake the exams upon arrival.

According to him, he was painted brown in dust and cast a funny figure at the exams centre though that did not deter him from placing third Nationally after emerging first in the Upper West Region.

He revealed that the only thing that stopped him from entering the army was an almost synchronised admission into the University of Ghana- Legon.

The 2nd Deputy Speaker, Hon Joe Ghartey joked that he would have been an Ex-Head of State by now if he had indeed entered the Army. A comment that drew laughter from an already hilarious account from the experienced Legislature.

The point he was driving at is that General Acheampong, the Head of State at the time, contracted a loan to construct the bridge over the Bamboi River and many other projects.

He indicated that loans should not be seen as bad because it has contributed immensely to the development of this nation and is heavily relied upon by every government.

He, therefore, called on MPs to desist from creating the impression that the loans government contract do not benefit the people, but rather throw light on the benefits of the loans as well.

Though mostly unappreciated, Members of Parliament demonstrated their commitment to the development of this nation by sitting in until 8:30pm.