Contender for the flagbearer position within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Agyapong, has added his voice to the growing demands for a revision of the constitutional requirement mandating the majority of ministers to be drawn from Parliament.

The Member of Parliament for Assin Central argues that this particular provision has consistently undermined the strength of the parliamentary body, resulting in a limited capacity for scrutinizing the actions of the executive branch of government.

“No Member of Parliament should be a minister, it weakens parliament. Per the Constitution, about 70% of ministers must be MPs, I totally disagree, we have to change it,” he submitted on US-based Kings Radio on September 24.

“If 70% of the legislature is part of the executive, it amounts to self-scrutiny. Parliament should be an independent body… we are humans, if my colleague MP is a minister, they get passes but those who are not get drilled,” he explained.

Mr Agyapong said he was well aware of a big pushback on his position, adding: “but that is why I want a referendum. MPs also want to be ministers to sign contracts.”

He expressed frustration over the challenges faced by Members of Parliament, highlighting that MPs encounter difficulties such as car loans and immediate salary deductions from the beginning of their terms. This is in contrast to CEOs of government departments and agencies who receive official cars, some of which they can purchase at a significantly reduced price upon completing their tenures.

Kennedy Agyapong, who has served in parliament for over two decades, is eyeing the NPP flagbearer position as his next political endeavor.

Agyapong will be competing for the flagbearer position alongside three other contenders, including Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and Francis Addai-Nimoh.

The NPP has scheduled November 4, 2023, as the date to elect a successor to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as the leader of the party.