Speaker directs MPs, ministers to regularise offices

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has directed all parliamentarians, ministers and deputy ministers currently holding any office for profit or emolument not expressly authorised by law to regularise their positions without delay.

He said no member, minister or deputy minister shall accept or retain any office for profit or emolument without first obtaining the required permission of the Speaker.

He warned that any breach of the directive would constitute a serious violation of the Constitution, saying that, “silence, oversight or informality shall not be accepted as a substitute for compliance”.

“Any such member shall, within 14 days from the date of communication, submit to the Committee on Office of Profit a formal request for approval in accordance with the procedure set out under Standing Order 244,” he directed.

Compliance

In a statement on the compliance by members, ministers and deputies’ constitutional and procedural requirements relating to offices for profit, Mr Bagbin said the request shall disclose the nature of the appointment, the duties involved, any remuneration attached and any other matter necessary for a full assessment by the Committee on Office of Profit.

Directing the Committee on Office of Profit to treat the matter with urgency, he said, “The committee shall receive and review all requests for ratification promptly, and submit its recommendations to me for determination.”

“In the course of its work, the committee is reminded to apply the constitutional test strictly and consistently, ensuring that no recommendation is made unless the conditions under Articles 78(3) and 98(2) are fully satisfied,” he said.

Avoiding conflict of interest

The Speaker said articles 78(3) and 98(2), together with the Standing Orders, were designed to preserve the constitutional balance between the Legislature and the Executive, avoid undue influence, and maintain the trust reposed in members by the electorate.