We gave them our mandate, not our purse – Inusah Fuseini demands accountability from MPs

Inusah Fuseini, the former Tamale Central MP and current Lands Minister, has cautioned that the actions of Members of Parliament (MPs) focusing on personal interests over the public good could undermine faith in Ghana’s democratic institutions. During an appearance on Joy News’ PM Express, Fuseini remarked that the 276 MPs have been entrusted with substantial powers by over 30 million Ghanaians.

"We have over 30 million people in this country; 276 have been privileged that, in between the four-year terms, they take decisions on our behalf because we have trusted them to do so," he emphasized.

Fuseini explained that MPs are expected to represent citizens’ interests, oversee the Executive, and ensure that public resources are managed appropriately. "We have trusted them to do so. So when the public begins seeing that these 276 persons that we have given the mandate to represent us and transact business on our behalf in Parliament, hold our purse, hold the executive accountable, pass laws for us, are doing that for themselves, have commodified that mandate that we have given them, and are trading in that mandate," he stated.

Such behavior goes beyond individual MPs and raises broader concerns about Parliament’s credibility, he cautioned.

The former MP highlighted the serious ramifications of MPs prioritizing personal gain over public service. "That not only undermines their legitimacy, it also undermines and erodes public confidence and public trust in that institution," Fuseini warned. He particularly noted the heated dispute between Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi, which has escalated into legal threats and accusations.

Fuseini stressed that the primary issue should not be reduced to the individuals involved, but rather seen as a significant democratic concern. "If that person was sent to Parliament to ensure that the resources are used judiciously and prudently, and that person now thinks that all of us do not matter, in so far as his pocket is lined, then we are in trouble," he declared.

Fuseini urged the public to view the allegations against MPs as a serious matter affecting the very foundation of democracy. "You see, and that’s why we should treat what we are hearing not as Alexander Afenyo-Markin, but as a serious concern that goes to the root of our democracy," he stressed. He also pointed out that this issue touches upon the constitutional promise of equal opportunity and prosperity for all Ghanaians.

"That promise will seriously be undermined if people do not pursue the collective interests, but are pursuing personal interests to the disadvantage of the entirety of Ghana."