MPs not to blame for under-development of constituencies

Kumasi, July 9, GNA - Members of Parliament (MPs) are not responsible for undertaking development projects in their constituencies the responsibility is that of the District Assemblies.

Mr Opoku Agyemang Prempeh, Executive President of the Centre for Moral Education, a non-governmental organisation, said this when he addressed a forum of various youth groups in Kumasi on Tuesday. He said MPs were legislators mandated to make laws but not to get directly involved in the provision of social amenities.

''If MPs contribute to projects they do so voluntarily to complement the work of the District Assemblies.''

He said the provision of basic amenities was the responsibility of the Assemblies and the Central Government and they should be held liable for any lapses.

He expressed regret that the misconception about the role of the MP had resulted in many constituents accusing MPs of doing little in terms of physical development.

"The pressure on MPs and the wrong notion that they are responsible for development of their areas has compelled most of them to divert their attention from their traditional role of law-making to initiators and implementers of development projects."

To address the problem, Mr Prempeh suggested that government should resource the National Commission for Civic Education to enable it to carry out education programmes on the responsibilities of MPs and the Assemblies.