Andrews Egyapa Mercer, the Member of Parliament for Sekondi, has been adjudged as the most outstanding first -term legislator in the 7th Parliament of the fourth Republic. He topped the rankings of the first-term most vocal MPs list with 108 contributions.
Hon.Mercer, the Vice Chairperson for the Communications Committee of Parliament, has discharged his parliamentary duties creditably well, taking into account this feat. Many of his constituents reacting to this research described it as a vindication of his commitment to represent them well at all levels.
This achievement by the Hon. Mercer is based on a research work carried out by the Ghana Report political desk pored through 125 official reports of proceedings in parliament to reach this conclusion.
Within national media circles, Hon. Mercer is often heard and seen on many media platforms weekly representing his party and explaining the government’s policies and actions to the general public. Many had their doubts whether he could perform his parliamentary duties effectively, considering the fact that he is most of the time in the media.
Richard Kirk-Mensah, the NDC Western Region Communication Officer, a fierce crtic of the MP, had in the past described him as a “Radio MP”, questioning why he is always on radio and not in parliament. This research outcome therefore exonerates the MP, and portrays him as effectively representing his constituents in parliament as well as he does on radio and television.
Hon Mercer is followed on the ranking by NDC MP for South Dayi, Dafeamekpor, K.E. Rockson-Nelson, who came in second with 102 contributions, NDC MP for Daboya-Mankarigu, Shaibu Mahama with 96 contributions; NDC MP for Ningo-Prampram, Samuel Nartey George with 89 contributions; NDC MP for Kumbungu, Ras Mubarak with 78 contributions; NDC MP for Yapei Kusagwu, John Abdulai Jinapor with 77 contributions; NPP MP for Gomoa West, Alexander Kwodwo Kom Abban with 73 contributions; NPP MP for Ledzokuku, Bernard Okoe Boye with 50 contributions; NDC MP for Bongo, Edward Abambire Bawa with 42 contributions; and NPP MP for Asene-Akroso-Manso, Kwame George Aboagye with 39 contributions.
The website explained that it did not include in it’s study the contributions of the MPs at the committee level.
“Your informative website does not claim this research is an exhaustive report on the contributions of MPs, as it does not include their performance at committee levels. It is nearly impossible to track the work of MPs during committee sittings.
“The research however, tracks the number of questions, statements, and contributions made on the floor where final decisions, approvals and debates are settled,” the publication stated.
One of the constituencies which was also captured in the Ghana Report research report is the Kwesimintsim Constituency within the Effia- Kwesimintsim Municipality. The MP for the constituency, Hon. Joseph Mensah was part of the worse performers with only 7 contributions. This may come as a surprise to many, as the constituency has in the recent past been well represented in parliament in terms of its contributions, the New Patriotic party and was one of the most visible constituencies in the western region and within the country’s political scene. The Kwesimintsim Constituency seat was previously a former cabinet seat , which is now voiceless within the corridors of parliament particularly, and the nation at large.
