40 More MPs In 2004

The membership of Parliament could be increased by 40 more members in the next elections. The increase, when effected, will raise the number of Parliamentarians to 240. The Electoral Commission is in talks with the government, Parliament and other interest groups on proposals for the creation of extra constituencies and districts.

But the increase has the possibility of putting some stress on the already limited resources of the legislature.

As a result, a new head for the Facility Development Department has been appointed to see to the judicious management of facilities in Parliament. The deputy clerk of Parliament, John Agama told JOY News that any such increase poses a serious challenge to Parliament because it has to contend with a 23% rise in its membership while increasing the resources available to the House looks a long shot.

The Chief Director of the Electoral Commission, Damoah Agyeman says consultations are still ongoing on the exact number of constituencies to be created. The EC has proposed not more than 40 seats but he says the figure could be reduced.

The deputy Clerk of Parliament, John Agama told Joy News that the increase poses a serious challenge to Parliament if it has to contend with expanding the House to contain an increase of 23 per cent of its current membership.