Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has insisted on the need to scrap provisions for Article 71 officeholders, citing their failure to guard against corruption.
According to him, the provision was intended to ensure that Members of Parliament (MPs) served the interests of the electorate without pressing concerns about their exit from the House.
He made this statement during a public forum to mark the 30th anniversary of democratic rule in the country on Tuesday, July 2.
Mr. Bagbin noted that Article 71 of the constitution has not been able to assist in curbing or containing corruption.
“It has not been able to assist us to curb or contain corruption. So when I made an attempt to contest as a presidential candidate, I announced that if elected as president, I would ensure that Article 71 is amended in the constitution,” he stated.
He clarified that the intent of the constitutional provision has failed, admitting that many MPs have lived in poverty after their tenure in office.
“Look at former Members of Parliament, how many of them are rich? Don’t look at the trappings of the office. It has really wreaked havoc on the families of Members of Parliament,” he said.
“I agree totally with anyone who says that we should do away with Article 71 of the constitution.”
The Speaker reiterated that Article 71 of the constitution has not served its purpose and that there is no use in maintaining it.
He suggested that the National Emoluments Commission should be made responsible for determining severance packages for members.
