MPs ought not be appointed ministers of state-Sam Okudzeto
By DL News
Published
Updated
1 min read
He argued that legislation is a full-time job and that such a practice sins against the constitutional principle of '“checks and balances.”
A senior statesman and a member of the Council of State, Sam Okudzeto has advised against the appointment of members of parliament as ministers of state.
He argued that legislation is a full-time job and that such a practice sins against the constitutional principle of '“checks and balances,” which bars one from belonging to the Executive and Legislature.
Speaking at a stakeholders' meeting on potential amendments to the 1992 Constitution in Accra last Thursday, Mr. Okudzeto reiterated that ministerial duties are also “a serious full-time job.”
A reference to the parliamentary Hansard shows that out of the 275 MPs, 60 serve as ministers, with 16 being cabinet ministers.
Mr. Okudzeto thus questioned how one can effectively monitor and balance power when holding positions in both the executive and Legislature.
He added that this dual role will create a conflict that hampers effective governance.
Reflecting on his own experience, he noted that being an MP in 1969 was a part-time role, but today, it’s a full-time commitment.
Article 78(1) of the Constitution states: “The President shall appoint ministers of state with the prior approval of Parliament from among members of Parliament or persons qualified to be elected as Members of Parliament, except that the majority of Ministers of State shall be appointed from among members of Parliament.”
He thus indicated that unless Article 78(1) is revised, attempts to address governance flaws will be ineffective.
