Life After Parliament Is 'Suffering' - MPs Cry Out

Members of Parliament (MPs) have proposed the establishment of a scheme to cater for former MPs. This, they suggested would help ease the suffering that many former MPs go through.

The MPs made the call Wednesday when they paid a tribute to the former MP for Hohoe North, Prince Jacob Ahikpor, who passed on July 19, 2016.

Prince Ahikpor was the MP for Hohoe North from 2005 to 2012, and the MPs described him as a dedicated and committed legislature.

The MP for Afadzato South, Mr Joseph Amenowode, who read the tribute, started the conversation by indicating that former MPs went through difficulties.

He suggested that the setting up of a scheme, such as a provident fund, to support former MPs.

The Deputy Minority Leader, Mr Dominic Nitiwul, said many MPs came to the House very wealthy, but they went out very poor.

He suggested that former MPs could be supported to establish foundations to keep them active.

The MP for Nkwanta South, Mr Gershon Gbediame, said many MPs went into difficulty, hence the need to find a way of supporting them.

The MP for Agotime-Ziope, Mrs Juliana Azumah-Mensah, stressed the need for something to be put in place to support the spouses and children of deceased former MPs.

The Speaker of Parliament, Mr Edward Doe Adjaho, said he had a discussion with the leadership of the House on the issue of the welfare of former MPs in the past.

He said he would continue to engage the leadership of the House to see what they could do in that regard.

Mr Adjaho said even though the present Parliament was getting to the end of its term, "we can start something."

Source: Daily Graphic