At the 2023 GIMPA Law Conference, the Deputy Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has called for a review of Article 94 of the 1992 constitution, advocating that post-secondary education be made a criterion for aspiring Members of Parliament.
Article 94 outlines the qualifications required for individuals to become Members of Parliament, among other provisions.
Afenyo-Markin argued that, many members of the public have criticized various happenings in Parliament, including the quality of debates that take place on the floor. He believes that requiring post-secondary education for those seeking election to Parliament would improve the caliber of individuals elected to the position.
Afenyo-Markin said, “We have often heard the members of the public talking about the quality of debates and sometimes our grammar is marked, our reasoning powers are questioned and I agree. It is fair. It is part of your bona fide as critical observers… looking at or interrogating what we do in the Chamber. For that purpose, I think that it wouldn’t be far-reaching to suggest perhaps that Article 94 be looked at.
“Maybe not talking about university degrees….first degree as a minimum qualification, but we can look at post-secondary education. Somebody may have some post-secondary education which may not even be a tertiary training but would have gathered some experience. We may have to look at that all aimed at ensuring that those who enter Parliament have the necessary capacity to do that,”.
Source: Coverghana.com.gh
