In a maiden statement delivered in Parliament, Member of Parliament (MP) for Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese, Felix Ofosu Kwakye, called for urgent intraparty reforms to enhance the quality of parliamentary candidates and address the growing issue of monetization in the selection process.
He argued that the increasing commercialization of parliamentary primaries is undermining the quality of governance and creating challenges for effective leadership in the legislature.
Ofosu Kwakye emphasized the need for political parties to prioritize merit and competence in candidate selection, warning that the current system, where financial resources often outweigh capability, is detrimental to the progress of Ghana’s democratic system.
“Quality is increasingly taking a backseat, and many capable individuals are unable to make it to Parliament simply because they lack the financial resources to navigate the process,” he stated, adding that this situation erodes the integrity of the House and impacts the quality of governance.
The MP observed that parliamentary primaries have become heavily monetized, with candidates spending exorbitant amounts to secure their party’s nomination.
This practice, he noted, not only limits the pool of qualified candidates but also burdens successful aspirants with financial debt, often to the detriment of their capacity to serve effectively.
“It has become imperative for political parties to restructure their primary processes and address the financial barriers to entry, which exclude many capable individuals,” Ofosu Kwakye stressed.
MPs as Development Agents
Touching on the role of MPs as development agents, Ofosu Kwakye acknowledged the duality of their responsibilities.
While MPs are primarily lawmakers, he noted that the socio-economic realities of Ghana often place additional expectations on them to address developmental challenges in their constituencies.
“In a developing country like ours, where many communities remain underserved, MPs are often seen as the focal points for development. This creates an additional burden for parliamentarians, who must address the basic needs of constituents despite limited resources,” he said.
He further highlighted the plight of marginalized and underserved communities, where access to basic necessities remains a challenge. These realities, he argued, require MPs to be resourceful and proactive in mobilizing resources to meet the needs of their constituents.
“While we are not officially development agents, the reality is that our people expect us to bridge the gap where government interventions fall short. This calls for a certain level of resourcefulness from anyone aspiring to serve in this House,” Ofosu Kwakye explained.
Call for Introspection and Action
The MP further call for introspection within political parties and Parliament, urging them to reflect on how to foster inclusivity and competence in the legislative process.
He expressed hope that as Ghana continues to develop, some of the burdens placed on MPs would be alleviated.
“I urge all of us to reflect on the demands of this job and to strive for excellence in serving our people. It is only through deliberate reform and collective action that we can strengthen our democracy and improve the lives of Ghanaians,” he said.
Ofosu Kwakye’s maiden statement has reignited conversations about intraparty reforms and the broader role of MPs in addressing Ghana’s developmental challenges.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
