The 1st Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei-Owusu, has bid farewell to public service, describing the salaries paid to members as “peanuts.”
According to him, the salaries and emoluments paid to staff in the public service are generally not worth mentioning.
The Member of Parliament for Bekwai made this statement during an interview with 3news’ Eric Mawuena Egbeta on January 3, ahead of the State of the Nation Address (SONA) by President Akufo-Addo.
“I’m done with public service,” he said.
He explained, “You put so much into public service, and the returns are peanuts. Yet, you are disrespected because you are paid the peanuts that you worked for.”
He added, “The energy one dedicates to public service, if devoted to personal endeavours, would lead to wealth.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Osei-Owusu described his disappointment with how activities in the 8th Parliament were handled, particularly how much time was spent on unproductive arguments.
“I am disappointed in the 8th Parliament. We wasted too much time on frivolous matters,” he said during an interview with 3news’ Eric Mawuena Egbeta on January 3.
“The 9th Parliament is a new Parliament. This structure should give them the opportunity to work harder,” he added.
Mr. Osei-Owusu did not cite specific instances, but it is on record that the 8th Parliament was characterised by boycotts of proceedings by both the Majority and Minority sides at various points. Notable issues included the debate over the introduction of the electronic levy, a betting tax, tax exemptions for certain Free Zones companies, and the declaration of four seats as vacant, among others.
According to the 1st Deputy Speaker, the time spent haggling over such issues could have been better utilised.
In a related development, outgoing President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will present his final State of the Nation Address (SONA) to Parliament today, Friday, January 3, 2025, at 10:00 AM.
The address, mandated by Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution, provides the President with an opportunity to report on the nation’s status before leaving office.
This event also marks the final session of the 8th Parliament of the 4th Republic, which will be officially dissolved on Monday, January 6, 2025. Following its dissolution, the 9th Parliament will convene at 11:00 PM the same day to elect a Speaker and two Deputy Speakers.
A statement from the Parliamentary Service confirms that the Speaker-elect and newly elected Members of Parliament will take their oaths at midnight, ushering in the 9th legislative term.
https://editors.3news.com/news/full-speech-of-akufo-addos-final-state-of-the-nation-address/
