'I now understand why MPs need sirens to beat traffic' - A Plus

Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as A Plus, the newly elected Member of Parliament (MP) for Gomoa Central, has shared a shift in his perspective regarding the use of sirens by MPs to navigate traffic.

Speaking in an interview, A Plus recounted his firsthand experience in office, which he said has altered his initial opposition to the controversial practice.

“I remember that before I entered Parliament, I was complaining about MPs and why they wanted sirens,” he confessed. “I called my friend, who is a dispatch rider. I said, ‘Where are you?’ He said, ‘I am at my place.’ I said, ‘Please, I need you to take me out of this traffic and get me to the constituency now and bring me back to Parliament.’”

Reflecting on his few days in office, A Plus admitted that his dual responsibilities as a legislator and constituency representative have made him understand why MPs advocate for the legal use of sirens.

“It is not an easy task at all,” he explained. “Today, for instance, I was with the President in my constituency. The Ahmadiyya Muslim community had their annual convention in Gomoa Pomadze. I had to be at the convention and in Parliament at the same time.”

A Plus emphasised the logistical challenges faced by MPs, particularly those whose constituencies are far from Accra.

Can you imagine someone whose constituency is in, say, Paga, and you have to go there with the President and then return to Parliament in the same day? It’s difficult,” he noted.

The Gomoa Central MP, who rose to prominence as a musician and activist, secured his seat in the 2024 parliamentary elections as an independent candidate. His comments come against the backdrop of a failed attempt by the previous Parliament to pass legislation granting MPs and certain government officials the right to use sirens. The proposal faced widespread public backlash, with critics arguing it would prioritise the convenience of officials over ordinary citizens.

While acknowledging the challenges of his role, A Plus’s statements may reignite the debate on whether MPs should be allowed to use sirens. His candid remarks highlight the complexities of balancing parliamentary duties with constituency obligations, offering a rare glimpse into the pressures faced by legislators.

As the discussion evolves, the public will likely continue to scrutinise such proposals, weighing the necessity against the broader implications for traffic regulations and fairness.

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