Africa-Press – Ghana. The Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has directed all Members of Parliament (MPs), ministers, and deputy ministers to regularize their positions regarding offices of profit or emolument within 14 days.
According to the Speaker, some MPs and ministers have allegedly been accepting appointments to various boards, committees, and external positions without seeking permission, which is a constitutional requirement.
“The Constitution is clear on this matter. Article 98 of the Constitution is a constitutional imperative.
“No member or minister may self-interpret compliance or act on the assumption that failure to comply with the procedure or silence amounts to approval by the Speaker,” he said in formal communication to them on Tuesday.
The Speaker emphasized that the restrictions on holding offices of profit or emolument were rooted in long-established constitutional principles, aimed at protecting the integrity of public office, preserving institutional independence, and guarding against conflicts of interest.
As a result, Mr Bagbin has urged all MPs, ministers, and deputy ministers currently holding offices of profit or emolument to submit a formal request for approval to the Committee on the Office of Profit within 14 days.
“The Committee will review the requests and submit recommendations to the Speaker for determination,” he said.
The Speaker’s directive aims to ensure strict compliance with the constitutional and procedural requirements, maintaining the credibility and integrity of Parliament.
“Honourable Members, the House cannot afford to compromise on the principles of public trust, accountability, and institutional integrity.
“It is the duty of every public officer to ensure that their conduct does not call into question the credibility of the offices they hold,” he told the MPs.
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