The Member of Parliament (MP) for Akyem Oda constituency, Alexander Akwasi Acquah says legislators face a number challenges, among them the demand to support constituents financially.
According to Mr Acquah being an MP is not an easy task since the constituents rely on them to provide for their needs and represent their interests.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Personality Profile, he said “The burden that comes with MPship is not easy, once you become the father of the constituency, you become a real father and you have to provide.”
Mr Acquah who is also the Vice Chairperson of Trade, Industry and Tourism Committee of Parliament, clarified that MPs are not wealthy as perceived by the public but also rely on other sources of income to meet their needs and those of their constituents.
“I put myself together, I prepared myself in a way, I had a life before I got into parliament and so you don’t want to depend on resources that you think are going to be available in parliament. No, there aren’t resources in parliament. And for everybody listening to us, you think that you want to depend on your MP for all your needs, but your MP doesn’t have any resources. He doesn’t,” he said.
He argued that many MPs own businesses or have other jobs in addition to their parliamentary duties.
The Vice Chairperson of Trade, Industry and Tourism Committee encouraged constituents not to depend solely on MPs for their needs, as parliamentary resources are limited.
The MP explained that people often misunderstand the role of MPs, assuming that they have unlimited control over resources.
However, he pointed out that many individuals with small businesses can have a greater impact on their communities because they can tap into their personal resources.
“For those of us who have small businesses and other things that we do, it becomes easier for us to tap into that and serve our people.”
He revealed that his share of the common fund is distributed among 18 electoral areas to address minor issues.
Mr. Acquah revealed that he initially wanted to become a medical doctor but redirected his focus to the business field. And although he did not become a medical doctor, he takes pride in employing medical professionals and building hospitals in parts of the country, including his constituency.
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