Nana Kobina Nketsia V, the paramount Chief of Essikado Traditional Area in the Western Region, believes the public should be aware of their Members of Parliament’s full voting histories, particularly on the acceptance of loan deals.
The traditional ruler and academician made the remarks while addressing thousands of residents gathered in Takoradi to commemorate 30 years of Parliamentary Democracy under the Fourth Republican Constitution of Ghana.
The Omanhene [Paramount Chief] believes that Parliament cannot continue to approve all loan deals put before it while refusing to assume responsibility for the country’s current debt dilemma.
He mentioned former Sekondi MP Paapa Owusu Ankomah and Essikado-Ketan MP Joe Ghartey as residents of his traditional jurisdiction.
He said he would like to demand their voting records and the reasons behind their votes in support of loan agreements that have led the country to the current economic doldrums.
“Sometimes I even ask myself that should they be (Members of Parliament) based on party lines. One is Paapa Owusu Ankomah and the other one is Joe Ghartey. We are in debt. I would like to see their voting records.”
“How many of those loans did they vote for and why did they vote for it. Has anyone told us and what is Parliament doing about it?”
“We are in debt and anytime they bring the loans, MPs vote and accept it as if we are mad people in this country,” he said angrily.