MP's Common Fund must be abolished

George Kyei-Baffour, a former President of the National Association of Local Government (NALAG), is advocating the scrapping of the MP's Common Fund, saying it is not only illegal but also undermines the decentralization concept.

According to him, the practice is a contravention of the 1992 Constitution since it makes provision for only the establishment of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF).

Mr Kyei-Baffour quoted Article 252 Clause 02 of the Constitution to buttress his point, saying Parliament is mandated to allocate not less than five per cent of the country's total revenue to the District Assemblies for development.

He said since there is no constitutional provision backing the MP's Common Fund, coupled with the fact that they are "not agents of development," it is appropriate the fund is abolished.

Mr Kyei-Baffour, speaking at the launch of the 10th Constitution Week celebration at Odumase near Konongo in the Asante-Akim North Municipality, said doing this is in the best interest of parliament itself.

He complained about the persistent abuse of the decentralization concept by successive governments.

He said the practice where government award contracts in Accra while deductions are made from the DACF by the sector Minister before its release constitute gross infraction of the constitution.

Mr Alhasan Yakubu, Ashanti Regional Director of National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), said it is imperative for Ghanaians to be conversant with the constitution to enable them defend their rights.

He said the NCCE is committed to educating the public on their civic responsibilities and called on the government to adequately resource the commission to enable it execute its mandate.