Former Attorney General Nii Ayikoi Otoo has supported calls for a review of the constitutional provision allowing Members of Parliament to be appointed as Ministers of State. Apexnewsgh reports
His comments follow suggestions by former Speaker Prof. Mike Aaron Oquaye to separate the legislature and executive for stronger parliamentary oversight.
Speaking on Eyewitness News monitored by Apexnewsgh, Ayikoi Otoo argued that the current arrangement weakens Parliament’s ability to function effectively. He noted that MPs appointed as ministers prioritize their executive roles over legislative duties, with some Majority MPs neglecting parliamentary responsibilities altogether.
“Most of these people [MPs], once they’re made Ministers, concentrate on their ministerial work. And they’re unable to serve Parliament to the extent that it is said that in all this, it is the Minority who would rather do the work of Parliament,” he observed.
Ayikoi Otoo proposed reviewing the Constitution to allow the President to appoint ministers from outside Parliament, enhancing the legislature’s effectiveness and independence. “The Majority are ministers, and some are chasing contracts and doing all sorts of things, so they wake up in the morning and never go to Parliament. So, the time has come for us to review this decision…”
This potential reform aims to strengthen Parliament’s oversight role and ensure more effective governance. By separating the legislature and executive, Parliament can better perform its constitutional duties.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
