Increased fuel prices: We must not tamper with recess of MPs – Kwaku Kwarteng on calls for Parliament to resume
Chairman of Parliament’s Finance Committee, Kwaku Kwarteng, has admonished Ghanaians to refrain from requesting Parliament to return from recess earlier than expected to approve the President’s directive to zero the Price Stabilisation and Recovery Levies on petrol, diesel, and LPG for a period of two months.
According to him, such calls although understandable would prevent legislators from carrying out an important part of their mandate, that is to interact with their constituents and be abreast with matters to ensure development, if granted.
“First we need to understand that the works of Parliamentarians is partly here (Parliament) but there is also a lot more of that work in their constituencies. Recess is planned to provide members the opportunity to do work in their constituencies. To give real representation, have contact with their constituents so when they are here, they can reflect the aspirations and ideas of the people they represent,” he said on JoyNews.
Speaking to host of PM Express Business Edition, George Wiafe, he stated that: “we must not tamper or disturb that engagement at the constituency easily. So traditionally Parliament will not be called from a recess unless it is extremely important. It is seen as critical but Parliament is resuming in less than 2 weeks.”
Mr Kwarteng who doubles as the Member of Parliament for Obuasi West held the view that the current circumstance is not so daring to have Parliament forfeit its recess especially when the President’s directive seeks to cushion Ghanaians for a longer period of time.
