NPP backs CRC recommendation to stop MPs from serving as Ministers

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has endorsed the Constitutional Review Committee’s (CRC) suggestion to prohibit MPs from concurrently serving as Ministers, Deputy Ministers or Regional Ministers. This recommendation stems from the CRC's mandate to reinforce the separation between the Executive and Legislature. However, the government, via the Attorney-General, opposes the proposal and asserts that the President retains the authority to appoint government members from within or outside Parliament.

At a press conference on September 17, NPP spokesperson Alhassan Tampuli affirmed the party's backing for the CRC's recommendation, emphasizing the need for a clearer distinction between the Executive and Legislature. According to the NPP, such a reform would operationalize the principle of separation of powers by preventing MPs from simultaneously engaging in legislative and executive duties.

The party also advocated for maintaining the current four-year presidential term, contrasting with the government's acceptance of the CRC's proposal to extend it to five years. The NPP argued that extending the presidential term is unnecessary, as the rescheduling of elections from December to November would provide incoming administrations with ample time for a smooth transition and assumption of office.