The General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fifi Kwetey, is calling for constitutional reforms aimed at separating parliamentary responsibilities from ministerial appointments.
In a recent interview on Channel One TV, Mr. Kwetey noted an increasing trend where individuals seek parliamentary seats primarily to attain ministerial positions, suggesting that this practice may detract from the commitment to legislative service.
“Parliament is a means by which you want to serve your people, and so that should be your number one thing. So, don’t come telling me that you came to Parliament hoping that you can get ministerial appointments. Please, please, that was not part of the contract,” he said.
He emphasized that ministerial appointments should be viewed as a “bonus,” not the primary motivation.
“Ministerial is a bonus. In fact, I insist that the Constitutional Review, the first thing that must be done, is to decouple this business about whether you are in Parliament, you can be selected to become a government member. No, they should decouple it so that we have genuine Parliamentarians,” he added.
He contended that the existing framework permits political candidates to potentially mislead the electorate by campaigning for Parliament while secretly intending to transition into executive roles.
“You cannot use the MPship to deceive the people of this country. Meanwhile, what you are looking for is ministerial. Focus on legislation—your heart is to legislate. Go in there, legislate. That is what I will recommend the country go for. The Constitutional Review must decouple the two.”
Kwetey highlighted the importance of legislative independence, stating that Parliament should function as an effective check on the executive rather than becoming subordinate to it.
“Parliament must become a means of checking government. So, this thing about disappointments—please tone down,” he concluded.
