A group calling itself the Concerned Voters Movement (CVM) is calling for the amendment of Article 97 of the 1992 Constitution to limit the tenure of Members of Parliament to only three terms.
“We are convinced 12 years in Parliament is more than enough to impart knowledge and experience of Parliamentary proceedings to the new entrants, who will succeed the old ones. We believe this will also help to create the platform for other persons to represent their people in Parliament,” CVM said in a statement signed by its Founder and President, Razak Kojo Opoku.
According to CVM, the three terms policy for MPs would help to reduce the power struggle within political parties during primaries.
“It will compel Members of Parliament to make wise decisions in the interest of the Public. This approach would also help to eliminate ‘Mugabes’ from Parliament.”
CVM insisted that some persons have been in Parliament for more than 12 years yet they have been unable to lobby for meaningful developmental projects for their constituents.
“Some persons have been in Parliament during the times of J. J. Rawlings through to Kufuor, Atta Mills, John Mahama and currently President Akufo-Addo’s yet their constituencies still have worst road networks, no potable water, school under trees, no furniture and learning materials in schools, worst healthcare facilities, high unemployment rate, no basic social amenities, among others.”
“And the annoying thing is that some of such MPs are advocating for 450-Seater Chamber at the cost of 200million dollars. All Members of Parliament who have been in Parliament since 1996 or 2000 should be voted out completely in the 2020 general elections. They have been there for more than enough. They are not the only wisest persons in their constituencies,” CVM added in the statement.
