Parliament has established a nine-member committee to develop a comprehensive pension model for former Members of Parliament (MPs). This initiative, chaired by Asutifi South MP Collins Dauda, was announced on January 29 following a proposal by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga.
The committee’s formation is part of efforts to create a sustainable and independent pension scheme for MPs, with funding proposed from carbon credit proceeds. Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga emphasized the importance of relieving taxpayers from the burden of financing parliamentary pensions.
“We don’t want the pensions of MPs to be a burden on the taxpayer. We want to start an MPs pensions fund scheme that will be funded from revenues from carbon credit,” he stated on the floor of the House.
The committee includes notable members from both sides of the House, carefully considering gender balance and representation of first-term MPs. Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor said,
“Collins Dauda, of course, will be a member. Samson Ahi will also be a member. Then we are including two first-timers from our side and gender balance, so Atta Issah, the MP for Sagnarigu, will also be a member. Then our sister Millicent Yeboah Amankwah will also be a member. Then Alhassan Suhuyini will also be a member.”
From the Minority side, Stephen Amoah and Dr. Mahama Tia Kabiru were named as members. Dafeamekpor added that the committee is tasked with providing its findings and recommendations within 45 days.
During the session, Minority Chief Whip Frank Annor Dompreh underscored the importance of establishing a pension scheme for MPs, highlighting the challenges they face upon exiting office. He acknowledged that discussions about pensions often subject MPs to public criticism but maintained that MPs deserve the same security as other professionals.
“When we talk about these things, we often become a punching bag of the public. What we are doing is not anything untoward. Other professions have their pension schemes, and so it’s long overdue for MPs,” Dompreh asserted.
The committee’s work is expected to address long-standing concerns about the financial security of former legislators while balancing public expectations and fiscal sustainability. The findings will be pivotal in shaping a fair and independent pension scheme that aligns with best practices.
