Election 2024: We’ll reduce parliamentary seats from 275 to 40 – GUM
The Ghana Union Movement (GUM) recently announced an ambitious plan to reduce the number of seats in Ghana’s parliament from 275 to only 40. This proposal is part of GUM’s larger vision to improve governance by cutting costs and making parliament more efficient. The party believes this move could lead to faster decisions, reduce financial burdens on the government, and increase focus on what truly matters to Ghanaians.
Why GUM Wants to Cut Down on Parliamentary Seats
GUM argues that having 275 Members of Parliament (MPs) has created several issues. With so many people involved, decision-making often takes longer than necessary, and costs for salaries, offices, and other resources are high. GUM believes that fewer MPs would make it easier to reach decisions quickly, with less time wasted on lengthy debates. According to GUM, a smaller parliament would also reduce conflicts between MPs, allowing for a smoother legislative process.
Saving Money with a Smaller Parliament
With a smaller parliament of just 40 MPs, GUM believes Ghana can save significant amounts of money. Currently, each MP receives a salary, benefits, and support for office expenses, all of which add up to a large expense for the government. By reducing the number of MPs, GUM says these funds could instead be invested in essential areas like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. GUM’s plan suggests that this reallocation of funds would directly benefit the citizens by ensuring that public money is spent where it’s most needed.
During a press event in Accra, Christian Kwabena Andrews, GUM’s presidential candidate, explained this proposal as part of the party’s mission for economic reform. Known for his push for social and economic fairness, Mr. Andrews sees a smaller parliament as a step toward a more effective government. He believes this will help MPs concentrate more on important issues and prioritize the interests of the people over political disagreements.
The Ideals Behind GUM’s Plan
The Ghana Union Movement was founded with ideas inspired by Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who advocated for a government that works for the people. GUM entered the political field in the 2020 election, where it received 105,548 votes in the presidential race, ranking third behind the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC). Even though it’s a newer party, GUM’s performance showed that many Ghanaians are interested in its message and goals.
Now, GUM wants to build on this support in the 2024 election by advocating for a smaller parliament as a symbol of their commitment to efficient government. Mr. Andrews believes that a reduced number of MPs will lead to a more agile and focused parliament, making it easier to pass laws and address issues that matter most to the public.
What This Means for Ghana’s Future
GUM’s proposal could change the way parliament operates and improve government efficiency. If parliament seats are reduced, the country could see quicker decisions, fewer conflicts among MPs, and a stronger focus on addressing national issues. This change could be particularly meaningful for ordinary Ghanaians, who expect the government to solve problems in areas like jobs, healthcare, and education.
The proposal is also a response to a growing desire among citizens for leaders who genuinely want to improve the country rather than engage in politics for personal gain. By pushing for fewer MPs, GUM hopes to meet this demand and set an example of effective governance. Reducing parliamentary seats may even encourage other African countries to explore similar reforms to improve efficiency.
GUM’s proposal to reduce the number of parliamentary seats is part of their mission to make government more efficient, affordable, and focused on the people. As the 2024 elections approach, GUM hopes this idea will resonate with Ghanaians who want to see real improvements in the government.
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