Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has expressed concerns about the excessive powers granted to Ghana’s presidents.
During an appearance on Joy Prime’s Prime Morning Show on Monday, Ablakwa criticized the Akufo-Addo administration for enacting what he described as unclear and non-transparent policies.
He argued that the presidency often bypasses the appropriate procedures and fails to seek legislative approval before implementing policies.
In response, Ablakwa revealed that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is developing new policies aimed at curbing presidential authority to promote greater transparency and accountability.
“The time has come for the powers of the President to be reduced. We’ve created a monster in the president. He has too much power,” the North Tongu MP stated.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa further highlighted that state assets are often sold to government officials without adequate oversight or consultation with Parliament.
He pointed out that these transactions are frequently conducted without being presented to Parliament for review.
Ablakwa also criticized the ruling NPP government for engaging in unnecessary and excessive spending, stressing that public officials are elected to serve with accountability and not to burden the citizens with avoidable costs.
“You don’t bring people into government to live like Arabian kings and Russian oligarchs at our expense. Where were their private jets when they were in opposition? These are the things that are burdening us.”
According to him, all procedures are done in secrecy, which is why he goes undercover to investigate and uncover information for the public so as to keep the government in check.
Therefore, apart from character and integrity, the NDC will ensure transparency in policymaking and other governmental issues with well-structured mechanisms, including “deep constitutional reforms when elected into power,” according to him.