A retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice William Atuguba, has questioned the rationale behind Ghana’s increase in the number of parliamentary seats, asking what tangible benefits the expansion has brought to citizens.
Speaking at the D.F. Annan Memorial Lecture in Parliament on Thursday, July 16, Justice Atuguba said he struggled to understand the need for a country like Ghana to have 276 Members of Parliament.
He acknowledged the views of former Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, who has previously argued against creating more parliamentary constituencies, saying the country must assess the value citizens derive from the 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,” he said.
Justice Atuguba questioned the justification for the growth in parliamentary representation, noting that Ghana’s Parliament has expanded significantly over the years.
“In fact, I don’t know why a small country like Ghana, the number was 100 or so all up to 276, for what reason and purpose?” he asked.
The retired judge said the focus should be on whether the increase in parliamentary seats has translated into meaningful benefits for the people.
“What is the true benefit to the people from this kind of thing?” he questioned.
