Inusah Fuseini, former Lands Minister and Tamale Central MP, has issued a stark warning regarding allegations of MPs engaging in personal interests, emphasizing the potential for such actions to severely undermine public trust in Parliament and the integrity of Ghana’s democracy. Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, Mr. Fuseini stated that Parliament’s 276 members are entrusted with a mandate to represent the interests of over 30 million Ghanaians. He expressed significant concern that some lawmakers may be utilizing their positions for personal gain, fearing that this could compromise the democratic governance of the institution.
He highlighted that such conduct would not only damage the credibility of individual MPs but could also erode confidence in Parliament as a whole. ‘We have over 30 million people in this country; 276 have been privileged that, in between the times, four-year term, they take decisions on our behalf,’ he asserted. Mr. Fuseini emphasized that this mandate is crucial, stating that it is vital that elected representatives prioritize the collective interest of the people who entrusted them with this role. ‘That not only undermines their legitimacy, it also undermines and erodes public confidence and public trust in that institution, and that is what we are confronted with,’ he said.
Mr. Fuseini detailed the broader responsibilities entrusted to MPs, including controlling public finances, holding the Executive accountable, and enacting laws. He cautioned that this mandate becomes compromised when lawmakers prioritize personal interests over the public good. ‘So when the public begins seeing that these 276 persons that we have given the mandate to represent us and transact business on our behalf in Parliament, hold our purse, I mean hold the executive accountable, pass laws for us, are doing that for themselves, have commodified that mandate that we have given them, and are trading in that mandate,’ he said. His comments come amidst a controversy involving Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and Sammy Gyamfi, where the latter accused Mr. Afenyo-Markin of extortion. The legal action against Mr. Afenyo-Markin was subsequently initiated.
Mr. Fuseini pointed out that the issue should not be reduced to a dispute involving one politician. He argued that the concern is not simply about Alexander Afenyo-Markin but rather a broader assessment of whether elected representatives are still prioritizing the collective interest of the people who sent them to Parliament. ‘If that person was sent to Parliament to ensure that the resources are used judiciously and prudently, and that person now thinks that all of us do not matter, in so far as his pocket is lined, then we are in trouble,’ he said. He further emphasized that the pursuit of personal interests at the expense of the public could seriously undermine the constitutional promise of equal opportunity and national prosperity. ‘That promise will seriously be undermined if people do not pursue the collective interests, but are pursuing personal interests to the, I mean, disadvantage of the entirety of Ghana,’ he said.
Source: Adom Online
