Politics of Wednesday, 18 March 2009

Source: GNA

MPs must be limited to two-terms - Assemblyman

Kumasi, March 18, GNA - The Constitution should be amended to limit members of parliament to two terms in office, Mr Charles Oduro Acheampong, assemblyman for Kaasi in the Kumasi Metropolis, has suggested.

Mr Acheampong said experience has shown that some MPs, who have had the privilege of serving for more than two terms, and knowing that the MP's term is unlimited, now consider themselves indispensable and perform below expectation. He was speaking to the GNA Acheampong in an interview at Kumasi on Tuesday.

He said should parliamentarians be given a limited term, they would take their duties in the House seriously and also respect their constituents.

He observed that the resolve by some serving parliamentarians to entrench themselves at all cost, had resulted in a situation where parliamentary primaries were characterized by bribery, corruption and malpractices.

This, he said, resulted in sharp divisions in some parties in recent times, leading to some party faithful going independent. Mr Acheampong said limiting the terms would also introduce fresh ideas into the system, while different people would have the chance to represent their constituencies. The assemblyman pointed out that the parliamentary system was good but vibrancy and useful input were needed debates to enhance democracy. 18 March 08