Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga has come out in defense of the cost associated with recalling Parliament, highlighting the vital role these sessions play in Ghana’s democracy.
Speaking in an interview with the media on Friday November 11, addressing concerns over the expenses, which reportedly amount to at least GH¢1 million per recall. Ayariga emphasized that these costs are a worthwhile investment in maintaining Ghana’s constitutional democracy, warning that the alternative which is a military regime or dictatorship would have far more devastating consequences for the country’s progress and stability.
He argued that the benefits of convening Parliament, including critical debates and protection of citizens’ rights, outweigh the financial costs.
The debate over these expenditures was sparked by Tamale Central MP Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, who revealed that each parliamentary recall costs Ghana around GH¢1 million. This disclosure has led to national discussions on the financial prudence of such meetings particularly given Ghana’s ongoing economic challenges.