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MPs lament over corruption in parliamentary primaries

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Some members of Parliament of the NPP have raised concern about the future of parliamentary democracy.

According to them, the high attrition rate in Parliament was also taking a huge toll on the quality of work delivery in the House.

While some are calling for a national discourse on the matter, others were concerned about monetisation eating into Ghana’s politics.

For some, politicians must play to the rules of the game.

Reacting to the issue of attrition and monetisation, William Quaittoo, MP for Akim Oda and Chairman of Education Committee, accused some chiefs of meddling in politics and playing a role in his defeat.

“They took the seat from me. They want their own to lead the constituency.”

“I know a number of chiefs called some big men and told them that from 1992, we have not had our own son, our own representing us. We want somebody to represent us. So they went for a search, the person they had to contest me, to them, wasn’t too good and that is why he lost. This time this person was of course somewhat okay for them and they threw their weight behind him.”

For his part, Richard Quashigah, MP for Keta, lamented over the colossal amount of monies that contestants give out to delegates.

“We hear about monies that contestants dish out to delegates in other to vote for them. You ask yourself, where do they get this money? What kind of work are they doing?”

“This must be a serious matter for institutions like EOCO, SFO, and even GRA to investigate,” he added.

https://youtu.be/eBy5BJkW1nk

Some 40 MPs in total have lost their positions on the NPP’s ticket. Some of these were nine committee chairmen, deputy chairmen, regional ministers and deputy regional ministers.

Leadership reacts

Opening Tuesday, June 23, proceedings, Speaker of Parliament, Professor Mike Ocquaye said work of the House must continue despite the development.

“I wish those who won congratulations.”

“Those who did not, better luck next time. We are in a very competitive situation,” he said consoling sitting members who lost in the keenly contested parliamentary primaries.

For the Minority Leader, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, the outcome of the primaries will have dire consequences on parliament and the sanctity and integrity of the House must be protected.

“The caucuses will have to strengthen our base and the ways we relate to the main party such that tomorrow, we can ourselves make recommendations as to who can make it and who deserves our protection to keep our democracy alive.”

The Majority Leader, Mr Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, said parliament must be given room to assess its own members and shield them when need be.

“It cannot be good for the growth of parliament to lose one-quarter, 25 per cent, of sitting members of parliament.”

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