Audio By Carbonatix
Political Science lecturer at the University of Ghana, Prof Ransford Gyampo has described as ridiculous, government's decision to guarantee vehicle loans for Members of Parliament.
According to him, Members of Parliament (MPs) should be made to bear their own burdens rather than putting same on the shoulders of the State.
"The burden for them to acquire vehicles should be on themselves, it no longer should be something that the nation would guarantee because first of all, I’m not sure that all of them will end up paying,” he said.
Speaking in an interview on JoyNews’ PM Express, he stated that the MPs should be out seeking their own loans in order to pay just like ordinary Ghanaians.
“If it’s a loan, and they [MPs] would pay, then let them go and look for the loan like any ordinary Ghanaian would go seek for loan,” he said.
This comes after the Finance Ministry, on July 7, presented to Parliament, a request by the government for a $28 million loan from the National Investment Bank, to finance the purchase of 275 vehicles for the members of the eighth Parliament.
Per the arrangement, the State will bear 60% of the principal sum and all the interest that will accrue on the loan, while MPs will pay the remaining 40%.
The state will absorb $373,333.33 representing 60% while an amount of $248,888.89 representing 40% will be paid by MPs.
Prof Gyampo indicated that, “politicians have lost the legitimacy to make demands or benefitting from such interventions from the state and from the taxpayers' resources."
According to him, there can’t always be a situation whereby certain cohorts are made beneficiaries of the national purse, whereas others are denied access to it by being put on a waiting list.
Latest Stories
-
World Cup 2026: The Stars that were a kick away from a semi-final 16 years ago, arrive in USA not as standard-bearers
5 minutes -
Sky Train trial: $2m loss was caused by Covid-19, defence lawyers argue
17 minutes -
Petrol prices set for sharpest drop in months as fuel costs fall from June 16
23 minutes -
Vehicle pollution, a leading risk factor for death in Ghana both the children and working class
42 minutes -
GNFS intensifies fire prevention campaigns in Eastern Region
50 minutes -
Presidency cuts political appointees by 124, but compensation bill jumps 148% and staff classifications raise questions
52 minutes -
Retirees benefit from 7th health screening of Lordina Foundation
57 minutes -
Sogakope residents storm ECG office over alleged overbilling, poor service delivery
1 hour -
BoG extends registration deadline for money transfer operators
1 hour -
Esiama Market to become commercial hub of Ellembelle – Kofi Buah
1 hour -
Black Stars to depart Rhode Island for Toronto today ahead of Panama clash on Wednesday
1 hour -
Wenchi 24-Hour Market project takes shape
2 hours -
Suaman MP urges NPP members to rally behind Dr Bawumia for victory 2028
2 hours -
Auditors’ Court to be established to prosecute audit offences – Ato Forson
2 hours -
Ato Forson raises concern over public sector waste, calls for stronger internal audits
2 hours