National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communication Officer for the Bolgatanga East Constituency, Ibrahim Aniah Aneribazanga, has raised concerns over what he describes as excessive personal demands placed on Members of Parliament (MPs) by constituents.
Speaking on A1 Radio’s Day Break Upper East programme, Mr. Aneribazanga said MPs are often confronted with numerous requests from constituents, including demands for financial support to address personal needs.
He said the situation becomes concerning when some individuals who have regular sources of income also seek assistance from MPs’ share of the District Assemblies Common Fund, while people who are genuinely in need struggle to access such support.
“Somebody is working as a government worker, the wife is working, and you want your child to benefit from the Common Fund. But the reason why the Common Fund is there is for the brilliant but needy people,” Mr Aneribazanga said.
He also cited instances where some individuals approach MPs for assistance while possessing luxurious items, saying such situations raise concerns about the nature of some requests made to MPs.
“Somebody will come for help, but the phone that the person is using is more than the amount that the person is looking for. The shoe, the dressing, the outfit alone is not easy,” he said.
Mr. Aneribazanga said such expectations put additional pressure on MPs, as some constituents continue to look to them for personal financial support beyond other responsibilities associated with the office.
He called for a change in public perception about MPs, saying constituents should recognise the role of MPs beyond providing personal financial assistance.
A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Simon Ayamdoo|
