Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the deputy majority leader, has called for a review of Article 94 of the 1992 constitution in order to make post-secondary education a requirement for individuals seeking to become member of Parliament.

The constitutional provision specifies, among other things, the standards by which someone can be regarded as qualified for or disqualified from serving as a member of Parliament.

Speaking at the 2023 GIMPA Law Conference, Afenyo-Markin, noted that the public has been critical of many happenings in Parliament including debates which occur on the floor.

He believes that making post-secondary education a criterion for entering Parliament will ensure improvement in the quality of persons who get to be Members of Parliament.

“We have often heard the members of the public talking about the quality of debates and sometimes our grammar is marked, our reasoning powers are questioned and I agree. It is fair. It is part of your bona fide as critical observers…looking at or interrogating what we do in the Chamber. For that purpose, I think that it wouldn’t be far-reaching to suggest perhaps that Article 94 be looked at.

“Maybe not talking about university degrees….first degree as a minimum qualification, but we can look at post-secondary education. Somebody may have some post-secondary education which may not even be a tertiary training but would have gathered some experience. We may have to look at that all aimed at ensuring that those who enter Parliament have the necessary capacity to do that,” Afenyo-Markin said.