Hon. Mahama Ayariga, Member of Parliament (MP) for Bawku Central, has firmly defended these expenses.
Speaking in response to recent concerns about the financial strain of such recalls, Hon. Ayariga highlighted the irreplaceable role that parliamentary sessions play in upholding Ghana’s democracy and constitutional governance.
Hon. Ayariga argued that the expense—estimated at around GH¢1 million per recall—represents a necessary investment in safeguarding the nation’s democratic principles and ensuring political stability.
“You cannot place value on when the constitution is protected, when the constitution is defended, and when people stand up to make sure that we imbibe the appropriate constitutional culture that should inform the governance of this country.”
Hon. Mahama Ayariga, Member of Parliament (MP) for Bawku Central
His defense comes amid rising concerns that such expenses could be redirected to other pressing national issues, such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
The debate over parliamentary recall expenses gained momentum after Tamale Central MP, Ibrahim Muntala Mohammed, disclosed the cost of each recall session.
According to Mohammed, the price tag of approximately GH¢1 million per session has raised eyebrows, sparking national conversations about whether such expenditure is financially prudent, especially as Ghana faces ongoing economic challenges.
The recent indefinite adjournment of Parliament by Speaker Alban Bagbin on November 7 further fueled the debate, with members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) questioning the necessity of such high costs at a time of economic strain.
Hon. Ayariga acknowledged that the GH¢1 million price tag might seem substantial, yet he stressed that the alternative—a military regime or a dictatorial government—would ultimately be far more costly and detrimental to the country’s progress.
He emphasized that the financial sacrifices made to convene Parliament are worthwhile when considered against the backdrop of historical struggles against authoritarian rule in Ghana and the critical role that legislative discourse plays in preserving democracy.
Balancing Financial Prudence with Democratic Necessities
The need for parliamentary recalls stems from Ghana’s constitutional setup, which allows the legislative body to be reconvened when urgent national matters arise, even outside the standard parliamentary calendar.
“We now have a constitution, and it says Parliament can be convened and Parliament can adjourn.
“The constitution says people have the right to demand that it should be convened, and this is how we go about it. All that will cost money, but it is far better than military rule and dictatorship.”
Hon. Mahama Ayariga, Member of Parliament (MP) for Bawku Central
As Ghana navigates a challenging economic landscape marked by inflation, currency devaluation, and external debt pressures, concerns over governmental spending have intensified.
Many Ghanaians are demanding greater fiscal discipline and accountability from their leaders.
However, Ayariga argued that reducing these expenditures in the name of financial prudence could undermine Ghana’s democratic foundations. He posited that democratic values and constitutional fidelity should not be compromised due to temporary fiscal constraints.
“When a practice takes place, it might appear to have cost money, but we know what it costs us to live under military regimes,” Hon. Ayariga remarked, alluding to Ghana’s history of military interventions and its associated societal disruptions.
The expense of convening Parliament, according to Ayariga, is justified by the essential role these sessions play in Ghana’s governance.
Recalling Parliament allows MPs to debate and pass urgent legislation, discuss policies affecting citizens’ lives, and scrutinize the executive branch’s actions, which are vital to maintaining checks and balances within government.
Moreover, Hon. Ayariga noted that parliamentary recalls provide an avenue for Ghanaians’ voices to be represented on pressing issues, ensuring that the government remains attuned to the needs and concerns of the populace.
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