Kumbungu Member of Parliament, Ras Mubarak, on Tuesday morning, rode a bicycle for 17km to Parliament in protest of what he describes as rising cost of living and high cost of fuel.
The MP said his action is intended to draw government’s attention to the plight of Ghanaians.
He further rubbished suggestions that his decision to ride a bicycle to Parliament amounts to populism.
“My decision is to highlight the concerns of many Ghanaians who have had to complain about rising cost of living in the country, and are struggling to make ends meet. What we are experiencing is far from what this administration promised the good people of Ghana.”
“They promised us heaven and earth. Indeed, the President himself has admitted that times are hard. We will expect that he will apologize to the good people of Ghana for taking us for a ride that has not seen the realization of pre-election promises. People are losing jobs and you cannot say that anyone who is championing their cause is being a populist. As a representative of the people, If I cannot do something to highlight or showcase that I am indeed representing people, then I have no business being in public service,” he said.
The prices of both petrol and diesel have risen by about 2.76 percent. The price of petrol and diesel is currently pegged at about GH¢5.21 per litre, up from the previous price of GH¢5.07 per litre, despite a reduction in the price of crude oil on the international market.
President Akufo-Addo has also previously admitted that times are difficult for Ghanaians though the country has not seen any crisis.”
The MP’s National Democratic Congress (NDC) has not relented in its criticism of the government’s handling of the company, and he now says it is time for a different manifestation of people’s frustrations.
With the 2019 budget set to be delivered later in November, Mr. Mubarak perhaps hopes it actually delivers on the hope President Nana Akufo-Addo has promised and also offer relief to Ghanaians.
Moments after arriving in Parliament on the bicycle, Ras Mubarak revealed that two more of his colleagues on the Minority side , Ho West MP, Emmanuel Bedzrah and Builsa South MP, Clement Apaak, are planning to join his latest campaign to demand better living conditions from the government.
The MP has spoken up not only on issues of national interest but also expressed a willingness to intercede on behalf of prosecuted minorities in Myanmar, the strife in Palestine and even the recent murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
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By: Marian Ansah | citinewsroom.com | Ghana
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