GHANA SHOULD ADOPT BICAMERAL LEGISLATURE

I propose a bicameral legislature for Ghana following the failure of the hybrid system in place that keeps generating controversy on whether Ghana's parliament is a law making body or a development agency.

I think our constitutions should be reviewed to make Ghana double chamber parliament.

To clear the existing doubt since coming to force of the 1992 constitution on 7th January 1993.

A two chamber parliaments will settle the long standing disputes between the mp's and their constituents as well as district chief executives who the latter claims have the authority to ensure development at the grassroots.

I am therefore calling for a two chamber parliament for Ghana - Upper House and lower house system where the upper house will be dedicated to legislating as we have now whiles the Lower House will consist of professional such as economists, accountants, farmers, musicians journalists who have the requisite knowledge to brainstorm on the core development issues affecting people of Ghana.

the currently Ghana's constitution which allows one chamber parliament since 1957 when Ghana gained independence have failed to ensure development yet has choked success in maintaining Ghana's democracy at least for twenty years.

However the controversy about mp's to add development issues to their law making function remains clearly and unproductive.

The practice has caused a lot of problems for mps putting them under pressure to explain the process the way it suits them.

What they do is during electoral campaign they claim development function but runaway from that same claim after voted to power when they are needed to ensure development

They drift away sharply to the opposite when they win power Saying the constitutions mandates them only to enact laws.

In view of this MP'S have never escape bashing from their constituents who thinks they are cheated after voting for them without development as expected.

However, by conversion MP'S are forced to be development agents by their constituencies who can't participate in governance without their MP's.

In reality members of parliament in Ghana and elsewhere are supposed to be making laws for the nation.

If the preceding assertion is true then Based on that I suggest that only lawyers from constituencies should be made to represent the people legislatively for good laws.

When that is done then we can have another group of people to represent the constituencies on development issues.

Then we can have appropriate institution to channel our issues for proper redress.

I think most developed democracies such as UK; US have made significant gains with the bicameral legislature.

Iran also has a stronger bicameral legislature - system where the lower house is vested with more power.

Finally my position on whether MMDCE be voted for or appointed by president is for the voting for speedy development.

The confusing as to who has the power to ensure development in an area will be settled if our constitution is reviewed to change the current unicameral legislature.

Opayin Okyere-Fianko
Marine, Railways and Ports
Tema.