The Member of Parliament for the Odododiodio constituency, Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, has disclosed the reasons behind his decision to retire from parliament, pointing to frustration as a significant factor.
During an interview on the Citi Breakfast Show on Citi FM, Vanderpuye expressed his discontent with the challenges MPs face in the discharge of their duties.
He emphasized the absence of adequate support and protection from political parties, leading to increasing pressure and a waning interest over time.
“I am leaving parliament because I am frustrated; the [political] parties really do not protect the people they have [in parliament]. So, you are subjected to so much pressure that, after a time, you lose interest because you don’t get the sort of environment to be able to harmonize the talents and competence you have,” he explained.
Expressing concern about the high attrition rate in parliament, Vanderpuye noted that numerous MPs, regardless of their political affiliation, experience comparable frustrations, leading to the departure of valuable contributors from the legislative body.
“The attrition rate in parliament is too high, and as such, people do not get the sort of experience they require to advance the work of parliament,” Vanderpuye remarked.
Additionally, he commended seasoned MPs like Dr. Osei Assibey and the late Dr. Akoto Osei for their significant contributions to the House. Vanderpuye emphasized the value of parliamentary experience, citing Speaker Alban Bagbin’s success as rooted in his extensive tenure as a Member of Parliament.