NPP Primaries: Dear delegates vote out ‘No Action, Talk Only’ (NATO) MPs

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I have over the year religiously followed deliberations of Parliamentarians in Ghana and would like to discuss my observations by dealing thematically with them beneath.

To start with, I will italicise the mandate of Parliament and discuss.

The mandate of a member of Parliament is divided into these areas.

1. Legislative
2. Representational
3. Financial
4. Oversight of the executive
5. Deliberative

I will discuss the main function of a member of Parliament.

It is a trite knowledge that Parliament’s basic function is lawmaking. However, in Ghana, all bills (proposed laws) have been introduced by the Executive and also civil societies have helped with some. The last time a private member bill was introduced to Parliament was in the 3rd Republic by Hon. John Agyekum Kufuor then Popular Front Party MP for Atwima Nwabiagya in the Ashanti region.

So the argument by some MPs that their absence in the next Parliament will collapse the August House and affect the legislative business is very funny and not convincing. If the best legislative brains in drafting in Parliament like Abraham Ossei Aidoo, W. O Boafo exit didn’t collapse Parliament. Can some of these MPs stop the self-aggrandisement? No one is irreplaceable in the August House.

Representational

This is the most critical mandate of an MP and any MP who neglect this, should get ready to exit the Special House. No one forced anyone to become an MP and also you went there through constituents. What is the use of a talkative MP when he can’t bring or facilitate development to the Constituency? Such MPs are described as NATO MPs (No Action Talk Only MPs). I have personally observed some MPs who are doing well in Parliament and also fantastically delivering in the constituencies. I will pick just two for this discussion. Hon Sam.Okudzeto Ablakwa of North Tongu and Hon. Afenyo Markin of Efutu. These guys talk a lot in Parliament but are also developing their constituencies.

I shudder to quote literatim from the official website of Parliament of Ghana

“Parliament is the supreme forum for the ventilation of grievances aimed at seeking redress. The MP is the communication link between his constituents and Government. Through parliamentary mechanisms/tools such as Question Time, Statements, Motions, debate on policy/bills, among others, an MP has the opportunity to draw attention to developments in his constituency and explore avenues for socio-economic development of the constituency”

Financial

Yea, per chapter 13 of the 1992 Constitution, Parliament controls all public funds (power of the public purse) so we need MPs with a financial background to be retained. Ideally, it may make sense but are you telling me that, Parliament is bereft of Finance experts? When Honourables J H Mensah (RIP), Yaw Osafo-Maafo, Dr.John Kofi Konadu Apraku, Kwadwo Baah Wiredu(RIP), etc left Parliament we didn’t get replacements? I have checked the Finance committee composition and can happily write that no one is irreplaceable. There are competent people to take over when any member who has lost touch with his constituents is booted out.

Lest I forget the there is nothing special about being a committee chair in Parliament. We were in this country when Hon. James Avedzi of NDC was Finance Committee Chair. Again, Adongo and John Jinapor first time MPs are really doing well on the committee with even their limited knowledge in Finance. I may dislike their politics but hey, they are equally doing taking on the majority on the Committee.

Oversight of the Executive

This to me is a work of the minority and so I won’t talk much about it due to our hybrid system and also the whip system.

Deliberative

This has to do more with their relationship with society and MPs with affability mostly do that. Deliberations knock on underlying tensions in society and help to foster consensus, compromise and reconciliation. The deliberative function is exercised mainly through the mechanism of Statements, Motions, Questions, and Ceremonial Speeches. This is not rocket science.

Conclusion

The myth that Parliament is for a selected few is a lie and I repeat anyone can get there provided you will learn to perform well and also facilitate developments in your constituency.

All the best to MPS who have facilitated development to their constituencies.

By David Ofosu- Dansoman, Accra