Parliament has taken a significant step towards securing the financial future of its former members.
As a result, a nine-member committee, chaired by Alhaji Collins Dauda, a National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Asutifi South, has been established to explore pension scheme models suitable for former legislators.
The committee’s membership includes Mr Samson Ahi, NDC MP for Bodi; Mr Atta Issah, NDC MP for Sagnarigu; Madam Millicent Yeboah Amankwah, NDC MP for Sunyani West; Alhaji Alhassan Suhuyini, NDC MP for Tamale North; Dr Stephen Amoah, a New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for Nhyiaeso and Dr Mahama Tia Kabiru, NPP MP for Walewale
The committee’s formation follows a proposal by Mr Mahama Ayariga, Majority Leader, to create a pension scheme fund using proceeds from carbon credits to support former lawmakers.
This innovative approach aims to ensure that former parliamentarians receive a dignified retirement package.
Speaking on the Floor of the House, Mr Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, Majority Chief Whip urged the committee to provide its report within 45 days.
“Mr Speaker, we advise them with our terms of reference, and they will be given six weeks to do their work,” he stated.
“Mr Speaker, Alhaji Collins Dauda of course will be a member. Samson Ahi will also be a member. Then we are including two first timers from our side and gender balance so Atta Issah, the MP for Sagnarigu, will also be a member. Then our sister Millicent Yeboah Amankwah will also be a member. Then Alhassan Suhuyini will also be a member.
“Then the Minority side will be constituted by Stephen Amoah, as well as Dr Mahama Tia Kabiru,” he said.
“We advise them with our terms of reference, and they will be given six weeks to do their work, and we propose that Collins Dauda be the chairperson of the committee,” Mr Dafeamekpor added.
The committee’s recommendations will be crucial in shaping the pension scheme for former lawmakers.
This development demonstrated Parliament’s commitment to addressing the welfare of its former members.
The proposed pension scheme is expected to provide a financial safety net for former lawmakers, ensuring they can maintain a dignified standard of living after their service.
We Need Alternatives Before Banning Plastic Use – Murtala Muhammed
The Minister-designate for Environment, Science, and Technology, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, has stated that it would not be advisable to immediately ban the use of plastic materials in the country without first finding an alternative.
According to him, the eradication of use of plastics can only be achieved once suitable alternatives are found and the transition is carried out gradually.
Murtala who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale Central in the Northern Region cautioned against imposing an immediate ban, as this could lead to undesirable outcomes.
“You don’t just ban something because there is a challenge. You need to look for alternatives. If you don’t have alternatives and proceed to impose a ban, the consequences may be dire,” he emphasised.
When asked how he would address the country’s plastic waste challenges when he appeared before Appointments Committee of Parliament yesterday for vetting to be appointed as a minister of state, the Tamale Central MP suggested, “What I think I would do is conduct a comprehensive study on the issue, identify the alternatives, and explore how we can support our domestic industries to develop reusable containers.”
He added that, “These are measures that other countries have taken. Rwanda didn’t just ban plastics; they implemented strategies to stabilise the system before moving forward with the ban.”
“I believe that is the approach I would take,” he emphasised.
