The Majority Leader in Parliament and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Hon. Osei Kyei -Mensah- Bonsu has stated that Parliamentarians are not responsible for societal development in the country as perceived by the general public.
“The reason people think that parliamentarians are solely responsible for societal development is because of the common fund we asked for some time ago for developmental projects…. but the common fund is not enough to cater for a huge project,” he said.
In an interview with Alhassan Jibril Spelele, Host of Oman ye mu nsem morning show on OilCity Radio in Kwesiminstim-Takoradi, Hon. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu who is also the Member of Parliament for Suame constituency noted that it is the responsibility of the Assemblies in the various districts to ensure that constituents benefit from governmental project.
“A lot of the constituents do not know their DCEs…. they know more of the MPs than the other executives in the constituency and so whenever the constituents need developments they call on the MPs and not the districts.
“This is the reason why we solicited for little funds to support the MPs…so they could create minor projects in their constituency when the constituents ask for it…so in case a school needs a rehabilitation and MP can step in to fix such problems… called the MPs share of common fund given to them,” he said.
According to Hon. Kyei- Mensah Bonsu, about 95 percent of the common funds go into the district coffers while 5 percent goes to the MPs, however the public questions how the 5 percent of the funds are used by the MPs.
“That is why some people are of the view that the MPs share of common fund should be cancelled because MPs are not responsible for societal development,” he added.
He concluded with Hon. Sarah Adwoa Safo’s absence in Parliament, saying that he disagrees with the Minority Caucus on the view that Hon. Safo should be given another chance to explain her absence.
According to him, the seat should be declared vacant as the law permit.
He therefore, added that the House awaits the Speaker’s decision after Parliament resumes recess.
