The Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has defended the provision of 4×4 vehicles to Members of Parliament (MPs).
He argued that the practical demands of their roles and the personal expenditure involved make bicycles or motorbikes an impractical alternative.
His remarks on Newsfile aired on JoyNews on Saturday, March 7, came in the wake of Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin dismissing calls by some senior citizens for MPs to rely on bicycles, describing such proposals as “untenable” and based on a misunderstanding of Ghanaian parliamentary realities.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu acknowledged public concerns over government expenditure but said MPs are often unfairly criticised for receiving tools necessary to perform their duties.
“There is nothing that the MP gets for his own tenure that comes anywhere close to what the MP spends on the people he serves,” he said.
The minister recounted his experiences representing the Abura Asebu Kwamankese (AAK) constituency, where he runs what he described as a “clinic” for constituents.
On any given morning, up to 300 residents may visit his office seeking assistance with genuine concerns, including welfare support and funeral contributions.
He emphasised that MPs are expected to meet direct needs that government systems cannot fulfil, often travelling long distances and spending their own resources to support constituents.
Kwakye Ofosu explained that MPs receive a car loan rather than a gift and are responsible for long-distance travel—such as the 160-kilometre journey from Accra to AAK—which cannot be undertaken safely or efficiently on a bicycle or motorbike.
“Unlike ministers who have duty-post vehicles and various allowances, MPs get nothing extra,” he said, noting that MPs’ salaries are broadly equivalent to ministers’ pay, with only a small top-up if they hold ministerial appointments.
He further highlighted the misconception that MPs receive funds from the Common Fund directly; in reality, the money is managed by District Assemblies, and MPs merely authorise its use for local projects.
The minister underlined the breadth of MPs’ responsibilities, including parliamentary committee work and national oversight.
MPs frequently scrutinise government policies, challenge legislation, and act as a bridge between the state and constituents.
He also warned that entering parliament is a “thankless job” that can be financially and personally draining.
“It will drain you. You will not come out better than you went in,” he said.
Kwakye Ofosu noted that comparisons with countries such as the United Kingdom, where some officials occasionally use bicycles, are not relevant to Ghana due to the size of constituencies and the direct demands on MPs.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com
