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General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fifi Kwetey, is pushing for a constitutional overhaul that would separate parliamentary responsibilities from ministerial appointments. He argues that the current system undermines the true purpose of legislative service.
Speaking on Face to Face on Channel One TV with Umaru Sanda Amadu, Kwetey voiced concern over the increasing number of individuals entering Parliament with ambitions rooted more in joining the executive than in serving their constituencies through lawmaking.
“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 I came to Parliament and hoping that I can get ministerial appointments. Please, please, that was not part of the contract,” he said.
He emphasized that while becoming a minister may be a reward, it should never be the primary objective for seeking a parliamentary seat.
“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 stated.
Kwetey also warned that the current system allows politicians to mislead voters, running for Parliament under the guise of public service, while actually seeking positions in the executive branch.
“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. The Constitutional Review must decouple the two,” he added.
Underscoring the need for a stronger, more independent legislature, Kwetey concluded by saying Parliament must function as a genuine check on the executive branch.
“Parliament must become a means of checking government. So, this thing about disappointments, please tone down,” he said.
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