Many have desired legislative status as a result of Article 78 in the 1992 constitution which mandates the president to appoint majority of its ministers from Parliament.
Martin Luther Kpebu who holds this assertion has suggested that the provision be repealed.
The private legal practitioner says the Article has compromised, to a certain extent, the role of the Legislature in checking the Executive.
To win the favour of the President for appointment, the renowned lawyer says Parliamentarians have had to kotow to the policies of the Executive irrespective of how it fosters or otherwise, the wellbeing of the citizenry.
The Article 78, has it that;
(1) Ministers of State shall be appointed by the President with the prior approval of Parliament from among members of Parliament or persons qualified to be elected as members of Parliament, except that the majority of Ministers of State shall be appointed from among members of Parliament.
This, is what Martin Kpebu wants taken out of the constitution due to its ripple effect on the legislative checks and balances.
He was speaking with Alfred Ocansey on the KeyPoints Saturday, December 30, 2023, on TV3, concerning some experienced lawmakers who would not be returning to Parliament in 2025.
“The law that mandates the President to appoint a majority of ministers of state from Parliament must go,” he said.
Eighteen (18) Members of Parliament (MPs) from the Majority Caucus of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) have signalled that they will not be seeking reelection in the next parliamentary elections in 2024.
This voluntary exit has sparked significant speculation and discussions about the future trajectory of the NPP in the coming years.
Among the noteworthy MPs opting not to seek reelection are prominent figures such as Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu (Suame), First Deputy Speaker, Joe Osei Owusu (Bekwai), Samuel Atta Akyea (Abuakwa South), Joe Ghartey (Essikado Ketan), and Ken Ohene Agyapong (Assin Central). Their decision undoubtedly leaves a void in the party’s leadership and parliamentary representation.
Other MPs who have decided to step down include Dan Kwaku Botwe (Okere), Kwasi Amoako-Atta (Atiwa West), Dr. Kwaku Afriyie (Sefwi Wiaso), and Emmanuel Marfo (Oforikrom).
Additionally, Benito Owusu-Bio (Atwima Nwabiagya), Carlos Ahenkora (Tema West), Nana Kwasi Adjei Boateng (New Juabeng North), William Owuraku Aidoo (Afigya Kwabre South), Johnson Adu (Ahafo Ano South West), Francis Manu-Adabor (Ahafo Ano South-East), Suleman Sanid (Ahafo Ano North), Kojo Kum (Ahanta West), and Francisca Oteng (Kwabre East) are among those opting not to seek reelection.
The reasons behind their decision remain unclear, with speculation ranging from potential retirements from politics to pursuing alternative professional opportunities or taking a break from the demanding nature of parliamentary life.
Internal dynamics within the NPP or personal considerations may also have influenced their decision-making process.
