Fuel prices high; allow us to work two days a week – MPs cry out

Some Members of Parliament (MPs) want the four days sitting in a week reduced to two in the wake of increasing fuel prices which weighs heavily on their pockets.

One such MP is Thomas Ampem Nyarko, MP for Asuogyaman, who has been lamenting over the lack of activity in parliament arguing lawmakers keep wasting fuel to the house.

Diesel is currently selling above 23 cedis a litre, while petrol is almost 18 cedis.

Speaking during the presentation of the business statement, Mr Ampem Nyarko called on the house to consider the proposal in order to bring relief to the MPs who are struggling to fuel their vehicles.

“I went to the shop to buy something. When I came back three thousand Ghana cedis was my bill. I had two thousand one hundred so I had to call my colleague to send me MoMo that I am avoiding using before I was able to pay my bill.

“So Mr. Speaker, looking at the kind of business that we have, is it possible that we stay for six hours a day? Instead of coming for two hours then we go back. Even if it is eight hours we will be able to stay and do the business for two days. That way we can save Ghc500 on fuel every week,” he added.

However, the Majority leader and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu described the proposal as apocalyptic.

“The Member of Parliament calling for work in just two days in a week, Mr. Speaker, that is a very apocalyptic declaration. I think that it’s an unfortunate call,” he added.