The Majority leader of the 9th Parliament of Ghana in the proceedings of today’s sitting put forward a proposal for a pension scheme to support Members of Parliament (MPs) after they leave office. He suggested that a committee be put together to explore viable funding models.
The proposal highlighted concerns that some MPs exit Parliament without adequate financial security. He cited pension models in the UK and Kenya, emphasizing that Ghana must develop a scheme that does not burden taxpayers. Instead, he suggested funding it through revenue from Ghana’s underutilized carbon credit market.
MP for Pusiga, Laadi Ayii Ayamba, supported the initiative, stressing that the public often misunderstands MPs’ benefits, such as vehicle and fuel allowances. She called for a seven-member committee to ensure a well-structured scheme that prevents former lawmakers from struggling financially after years of service.
She said, “Wherever monies will come from, we should be supported. So that at the end of the day, MPs will not leave this house after 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32 years and then they go begging.”
Parliament of Ghana: Hon. Oppong Nkrumah
Hon. Oppong Nkrumah also backed the proposal, commending the leader of the house for prioritizing MPs’ welfare. He advised the Parliament of Ghana to allow the proposed committee to conduct thorough research without imposing limitations.
“ to the extent that some preliminary suggestions have been made on the floor, please permit me to disagree with some of my colleagues. This is an arm of government. Our conversation should not be about some other arm of government underwriting or supporting what this arm of government seeks to do.”
“In fact, I dare say that our conversation should be that the matters under Article 71 (1) when it comes to determining the conditions of service of a member of parliament, should rather be expedited. So that there’s clarity on what your compensation is as a member of parliament early enough. And out of that you take responsibility for your own pension arrangements., he added.”
Additionally, he called for a swift determination of MPs’ salaries and benefits under Article 71 (1), ensuring lawmakers can make informed pension contributions during their tenure.
He said, “I think we should be focused rather on urging the leader of government business and the government to inform the president to deal with Article 71.1 expeditiously. So that it’s not at the end of your term as a member of parliament that your salary is determined and then made as a lump sum pay for you. How are you going to pay your premiums for your pension?”
He also emphasized the importance of expediting the determination of MPs’ conditions of service.
