Member of Parliament for Anyaa Sowutuom, Dr. Dickson Adomako Kissi, has robustly defended the Transport Ministry’s decision to include Ministers and MPs in the list of persons permitted to use sirens in their cars and drive without speed limits in a new legislative instrument (LI).
According to Dr. Kissi, lawmakers have numerous engagements within and outside of Parliament that put immense pressure on their schedules.
He believes that the new LI, when approved, would significantly facilitate their movement across the country, enabling them to attend to critical programs efficiently.
A section of Ghanaians has expressed dissatisfaction with the LI, arguing that it amounts to an abuse of privileges.
They contend that those being considered for inclusion should serve the masses and set a good example, rather than be seen as serving their parochial interests. Given the current economic crisis, critics believe it is not the time for Parliament to enact laws that will benefit MPs and Ministers at the expense of the entire populace.
Reacting to these criticisms on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Dr. Kissi insisted that the benefits of the government’s decision outweigh any perceived drawbacks.
“It is very unfortunate to say that MPs sleep a lot. I beg to differ. Sometimes we are up as late as 1 am and wake up as early as 5 am just to get to everything we need to do throughout the day,” Dr. Kissi stated.
He emphasized that he personally does not use or support the use of sirens, but underscored the broader responsibilities of MPs.
“I am not necessarily a big fan of sirens, personally. I don’t have one, I never bought one but I am only making the case that we are being narrow if we limit the MP’s work to necessarily be in the chamber,” he said on Tuesday.
Dr. Kissi further argued that restricting MPs’ duties to only chamber activities is a narrow-minded perspective.
“Today’s discussion has been too narrowed in terms of letting people look at the fact that MPs have so many other engagements outside of Parliament which puts pressure on us.”
He called for a broader understanding of the role and responsibilities of MPs, emphasizing that their work extends far beyond the confines of the parliamentary chamber.