Retired Supreme Court Justice William Atuguba has questioned the justification for Ghana’s 276 parliamentary seats, arguing that the country’s size does not warrant such a large legislature and asking what tangible benefits the expansion has delivered to Ghanaians.
Justice Atuguba made the remarks on Thursday, July 16, during the Justice D.F. Annan Memorial Lecture, where he shared his views on Ghana’s democratic governance and the country’s parliamentary system.
According to the retired Supreme Court judge, Ghana does not need additional parliamentary constituencies, stressing that the continuous increase in the number of lawmakers should be carefully examined.
He acknowledged the views of former Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, who has previously argued against the creation of more parliamentary constituencies, saying the country must critically assess the value citizens derive from the current size of Parliament.
“I also want to acknowledge the likes of Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, who said it is not necessary to create more parliamentary seats,” Justice Atuguba said.
He questioned the rationale behind the current composition of Parliament, noting that despite Ghana being a relatively small country, it now has 276 Members of Parliament.
“I don’t know why a small country like Ghana… the number was 100 or so, or up to 270. For what reason and purpose? What is the true benefit to the people from this kind of thing?” he asked.
Justice Atuguba’s comments add to the long-running public debate over the size and cost of Ghana’s Parliament. Critics have argued that increasing the number of constituencies and lawmakers places an additional financial burden on the national budget without necessarily improving legislative effectiveness or service delivery.
Supporters of constituency expansion, however, contend that creating additional parliamentary seats enhances representation by ensuring that growing populations and newly created administrative areas have adequate representation in Parliament.
The Justice D.F. Annan Memorial Lecture brought together legal practitioners, academics, policymakers and governance experts to reflect on Ghana’s constitutional democracy and the legacy of the late Rt. Hon. Justice Daniel Francis Annan, a former Speaker of Parliament and respected statesman.
Justice Atuguba’s remarks are expected to reignite debate over whether Ghana’s current parliamentary structure remains appropriate or whether constitutional and electoral reforms are needed to improve governance and ensure value for taxpayers.
By 1960news.com
