Parliament Wants Citizens To Think For Them In Luxury Car Demand

In the wake of the public uproar over the tabling of US$28million by the Finance Ministry for approval so that luxury cars can be purchased for Members of Parliament, Parliament’s Public Affairs Directorate is asking citizens to brainstorm over their extravagant lifestyles.

 “Parliament is of the view, that given the negative reactions that greet the procurement of loans to purchase vehicles for Members of Parliament to perform their constitutional and statutory functions every four years, perhaps the time has arrived for the country to come to a determination on the matter of providing vehicles to enable MPs to perform their duties and responsibilities,” read parts of a statement signed by the Public Affairs Directorate of Parliament.

Interestingly, of all the arms of government, Parliament is the one charged with the responsibility to debate and come out with laws for the country. Stopping the purchase of luxurious vehicles can only be stopped by law and such a law can only be passed by Parliament.

And so asking citizens to “come to a determination,” as to whether these luxurious purchases should be stopped or not has courted anger among the populace.

The statement from Madam Kate Addo and her Public Affairs Department does not suggest how citizens should go about taking over the duties of MPs in the matter of luxury cars for MPs.

Meanwhile, the statement also said that the loans for the luxury cars are not gifts to the MPs but advancements that will definitely have to be repaid to the State.

“Reports that suggest that the loan resources for the MPs are free are inaccurate and only add to the misconceptions that continue to affect the work of the Institution of Parliament,” the statement read.

Interestingly, the public concern has not entirely been about giving free loans to MPs but about the fact that MPS, who already earn so much are getting these soft loans that ordinary citizens can never dream about getting, from the State.

And per the arrangement, the MPs will end up paying back 40% of loans advanced to them while the State absorbs the remaining 60% of the loans, according to reports.