Judiciary, other arms of gov't being catered for by the state; MPs forgotten — Afenyo-Markin seeks Minority support to address welfare of former MPs

In response to mounting concerns raised by Members of Parliament regarding the welfare of former lawmakers, Majority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, is proposing the establishment of a committee tasked with drafting legislation aimed at ensuring the government's responsibility for the well-being of former legislators.

Mr. Afenyo-Markin made this suggestion during his contribution to a statement honoring the late MP for Ketu North, Modestus Ahiable. He emphasized the pressing need to address the precarious condition of former lawmakers, some of whom have tragically passed away due to neglect.

Expressing his worries about the perception of corruption among MPs potentially hindering efforts to provide crucial support, including medical assistance, to former legislators, the Majority Leader highlighted the urgency of addressing these issues through legislative means.

“If we don’t deal with the issues, Mr Speaker, and you create the impressions to Ghanaians that every MP is corrupt. Then when you are asking for medical support, then they say you have already stolen from the state. And that is why we have a problem, even ex-gratia, we have difficulty in defending it.

“You are paid GHC15,000, GHC17,000 and they deduct all manner of taxes. Today, this house must take this issue a step further. Hon. minority leadership let’s work at initiating it now. The welfare of this house, we should enact it, make it mandatory and make it a part of the conditions of service.

“Enough is enough. The judiciary, other arms of government are all being catered for by the state. MPs seem to have been forgotten, it cannot be,” he emphasised.