The Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Andrew Asiamah Amoako, has established an eight-member ad hoc committee to explore the possibility of a pension scheme for legislators.
This call comes in response to growing concerns raised by MPs regarding the precarious condition of former legislators, some of whom have tragically lost their lives due to neglect.
Andrew Asiamah Amoako, who presided over the proceedings in parliament on Friday, gave the committee a two-week deadline to present their recommendations to the house.
“Honourable members, I think this is very important to all of us. So a committee has been set up and looking at the members that have been assembled to look into it, I think we can be rest assured that they will come out with something good for us.
“So, we thank the members, and we hope that they work out expeditiously for us.”
It will be recalled that the Majority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, called for the formation of a committee tasked with drafting legislation aimed at ensuring the government is responsible for the welfare of former lawmakers.
During his contribution to a statement commemorating the late MP for Ketu North, Modestus Ahiable, the Majority Leader emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues.
He expressed concern that the prevailing perception of corruption among MPs could hinder efforts to secure essential support, including medical assistance, for former legislators.
“If we don’t deal with the issues, Mr Speaker, and you create the impressions to Ghanaians that every MP is corrupt. Then when you are asking for medical support, then they say you have already stolen from the state. And that is why we have a problem, even ex-gratia, we have difficulty in defending it.
“You are paid GHC15,000, GHC17,000 and they deduct all manner of taxes. Today, this house must take this issue a step further. Hon. minority leadership let’s work at initiating it now. The welfare of this house, we should enact it, make it mandatory and make it a part of the conditions of service.
“Enough is enough. The judiciary, other arms of government are all being catered for by the state. MPs seem to have been forgotten, it cannot be.”
Again, MP for Asawase, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, on March 7, 2024, highlighted the challenges faced by former MPs, emphasizing their vulnerability during times of illness due to the lack of post-retirement salary.
Mr. Muntaka contented that retired legislators often find themselves abandoned without financial support.
During a tribute to the late Kwadwo Tawiah Likpalimor, former MP for Kpandai, who recently passed away, Muntaka urged his colleagues to unite in advocating for a system that safeguards the well-being of former parliamentarians after their tenure.