No MP is entitled to gift for performing constitutional duty – Inusah Fuseini

A former Tamale Central Member of Parliament Inusah Fuseini has criticised the reported payment of money to some members of Parliament’s Appointments Committee in connection with the recent vetting of ministerial and Supreme Court nominees.

His comments follow a memorandum circulating in the media in which Deputy Minority Leader and Asokwa MP Patricia Appiagyei is reported to have returned GHS70,000 allegedly received in connection with the vetting exercise.

Reacting to the development on Accra-based JoyNews’ The Pulse show on Friday, September 4, the former lawmaker said the focus should not only be on the amount allegedly received but whether the money should have been given in the first place.

According to him, MPs are constitutionally mandated to vet nominees and should not expect or accept additional financial benefits for performing that duty.

“The fact is that the money should not be given in the first place. No one is entitled to a gift for performing a duty which is demanded by the Constitution and imposed on that person to do the duty. You are performing your duty as stipulated by the Constitution, Article 78.1. That’s the duty imposed on you by the Constitution. How can you be performing a duty and expect a gift?” he questioned.

He stressed that the matter requires further scrutiny, particularly because MPs already receive parliamentary remuneration for their official duties.

The former lawmaker said the issue is significant because it could point to broader concerns about the integrity of Parliament’s vetting process if the reported payment is confirmed.

Meanwhile, the Minority has denied the authenticity of the memorandum circulating in the media and denied receiving or returning any such money.

The controversy has also attracted the attention of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), which has commenced a preliminary investigation into the veracity of the document, the source of the alleged funds and their intended purpose.

The OSP has invited Mrs Appiagyei to assist with the investigation, citing the need to safeguard the integrity of Parliament’s Appointments Committee and its vetting process.