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13.03.2014 PPP

PPP Calls For Reforms In Parliament

By Daily Guide
PPP Calls For Reforms In Parliament
13.03.2014 LISTEN

William Dowokpor
Following claims by former Majority Leader Alban Bagbin that some MPs collect bribes to champion certain agenda in the Legislature, the Progressive People's Party (PPP) has called for radical reforms in the way the House does its business.

'While we appreciate the real likelihood of the allegation having a negative effect on the image of the Legislature, we believe it presents a great opportunity for Parliament to re-examine itself and champion reforms that would lead to a strong Legislature, to serve as an effective check on the Executive, to the extent that it cannot be bribed by the Executive, let alone civil society organizations, as alleged by Hon. Bagbin,' the statement said.

A news release issued in Accra and signed by William Dowokpor, Convener of PPPs Anti-Corruption Campaign Coalition therefore called on Parliament, civil society organizations and the public to take an objective view of allegations made by Mr. Bagbin.

According to the statement, 'This development should serve as the catalyst that would lead to the constitutional reform of separating the Executive from the Legislature; where members of the Legislature will no longer be allowed to serve as Ministers of state; a feature that has rendered the Legislature the weakest link in Ghana's governance system.'

The PPP disagreed with calls for legislation on lobbying, which they insisted 'would be of no effect as majority will always have their way and minority, only their say, should the status quo remain the same.'

'In fact, we believe the development of an 'acceptable' formula for lobbying the weakest arm of government would only lead to legitimizing bribe taking by some MPs as alleged by Hon. Bagbin.'

The PPP said if an official complaint to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) could lead to full investigation into the allegation, 'we will be happy to join the complainants.'

'We however, remain committed to our reform agenda for incorruptible leadership, open and accountable governance; and take this opportunity to reiterate our recommendations to the Constitutional Review Commission, the Constitutional Review Implementation Committee and President John Mahama, on the need to separate the Executive from the Legislature to restore Parliament's full strength in legislation, representation and the performance of oversight functions,' the party added.

 
 
 
 

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