It Is Very Expensive To Be Elected As An MP In Ghana—Lawyer Anthony Mmieh, Laments
Lawyer Anthony Mmieh, the Member of Parliament-elect for the Odotobri Constituency in the Ashanti Region, representing the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has lamented the high cost of being elected as a Member of Parliament in Ghana.
Speaking on Kessben Maakye Show, he disclosed that the financial demands associated with political campaigns and fulfilling community expectations are worrying.
Lawyer Mmieh explained that the personal demands made by individuals and communities are huge beyond operational expenses. “The excessive spending by politicians ultimately harms the country.” He stressed.
“Daily, people approach me for contributions towards their marriages, funerals, and church activities,” he said. Where do people expect politicians to source such funds? He questioned, noting that many rely on loans for their campaigns, which they struggle to repay after elections.
He emphasized that MPs are elected to serve their communities’ collective interests, not constituents’ individual needs. However, he clarified that this perspective does not imply he has stopped being generous to people.
Moreover, he stated that high costs were incurred during the primaries, voting day, and post-primaries.
He appealed to the NPP’s national executives to consider reforming the mode of selecting parliamentary candidates to reduce apathy in future elections. He suggested expanding the electoral college system to discourage the influence of the highest bidder and prioritize competence.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, he described Odotobri as one of the largest constituencies in the country, with over 200 communities, predominantly farming and mining areas.
“These communities face issues such as inaccessible roads, lack of potable drinking water, and poor telecommunication networks.” He said.
Finally, despite his party’s loss in the national elections, lawyer Mmieh vowed to work hard to bring development to his constituency and urged his constituents to continue supporting him.
Story by: Precious Oforiwaa Agyei
