Member of Parliament for Zebilla East Constituency in the Upper East Region, and former Minister of Interior. Cletus Avoka has served Ghanaians in an eye opening interview, he stated that the perceived corruption within MPs is due to the relentless financial demands placed on lawmakers, particularly by constituents and the public.
According to Mr Avoka, the constant demands from the public create an environment where it is nearly impossible for MPs to avoid involvement in corrupt practices.
Speaking to Starr FM in an interview on Monday, February 26, the Minister shed light on the daunting challenges MPs encounter as a result of constant financial requests.
He stressed the unfortunate reality that many MPs divert their attention from legislative responsibilities to engage in business ventures due to these financial pressures.
Mr Avoka stressed the importance of media comprehension, emphasizing on the financial burdens on an MPs shoulder, including requests for medical expenses, contributions for weddings, and school fees, contribute to the perception of corruption.
“Every day MoMo. Every day MoMo. Somebody is sick and has to go to the hospital, you have to send money, somebody is going to do a wedding you have to send money, they are going to do outdooring, they are asking for you. They are asking for school fees and whatnot” he lamented.
“Many of us lose the election or primaries not because we are not doing well, but because we’re not giving money out.
How do you give money out if you come and stay in parliament for eight hours debating? You’re debating for 5 or 8 hours, you go home in the evening to sleep, and the following day you have no money to send. You have to go out and look for the money.”
He elaborated further that MPs frequently find themselves in need of supplementary resources, sometimes resorting to external activities to generate income to meet the substantial financial demands placed on them.
“If I’m not corrupt, how can I maintain my seat? You have to be corrupt in one way or another. You have to look for more income. If you have to look for more resources, you have to go out and do some work for a contractor. As a lawyer, maybe prepare a bill, or do this and that and whatnot. So I have half attention here, and half attention outside because I need more resources to be able to maintain my seat.”
