The Member of Parliament for Suame, Lawyer John Darko, has pushed back against claims that legislators in the Ashanti Region are failing to drive development, insisting that responsibility lies squarely with the Regional Minister.
His remarks follow comments made by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, during a live TikTok interaction, where he criticised Members of Parliament (MPs) in the region for what he described as their inaction.
According to the Minister, residents frequently tag him in complaints about issues within various constituencies, accusing MPs of neglecting development while focusing on press engagements.
Dr. Amoakohene argued that MPs should take a more proactive role in championing development initiatives rather than limiting their efforts to public commentary.
However, speaking in an interview on Fakye TV’s DayBreak programme hosted by Kojo Marfo, Lawyer John Darko dismissed the Minister’s assertions, suggesting they reflect a lack of understanding of both regional dynamics and the constitutional roles of MPs.
“If the Regional Minister makes such a statement, then it shows he does not appreciate what is happening in the region,” Darko said.
“Many of us in the Ashanti Region are MPs on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and we are committed to supporting development in our constituencies.”
He further alleged disparities in the allocation of development projects, claiming that NPP MPs in the region are often sidelined when it comes to government-supported initiatives.
“In reality, several MPs particularly from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) can attest to receiving school infrastructure projects for their constituencies,” he noted. “But for many of us who are NPP MPs, such opportunities are limited.”
Darko argued that it is unfair to blame MPs for development gaps when the structures of governance assign that responsibility primarily to local assemblies and the executive arm of government.
“The role of an MP is to legislate and advocate. Development projects are largely executed through the assemblies,” he explained. “So if a community lacks basic infrastructure like a school, and the Regional Minister blames the MP, then he is overlooking the role of his own office and the government machinery.”
He maintained that if development in the Ashanti Region is lagging, accountability should be directed at the Regional Minister rather than legislators.
“If development is not happening, then the indictment is on the Regional Minister, not the MPs,” Darko stressed adding “Anything contrary suggests a misunderstanding of his responsibilities and the role of Parliamentarians,” he added.
Source: www.Kumasimail.com
