<<Print>>Like several Ghanaians, John Dumelo has been subjecting the proposal to build a new chamber for Ghana’s Parliament to intense scrutiny but the actor seems to have fallen on a dagger following a question posed to him by musician Samini.
Dumelo has in a series of tweets been suggesting that moves to construct the 450-seat chamber is a “misplaced priority” as he argues that the over $200 million to be used in erecting the edifice could be channeled into other projects which would directly benefit the ordinary Ghanaian.
“I have a strong feeling Parliament will not go ahead with the proposed new chamber building. At least not now. There are other important things to tackle immediately ie jobs for the youth, good healthcare, roads etc.” one of his tweets read.
“$200m can can build 10 factories to employ 10,000 youth. We the youth are pleading with parliament. Yes it’s necessary but pls don’t build that chamber now. #DropThatChamber” another read.
His post attracted several responses but Samini’s has stoked conversation on social media with several people describing the dancehall artiste’s response as savagery.
He tweeted: “Good point. Same way one #V8 cost can do wonders in my village boss. Did you try to keep it or they lied on you chale... Ghana wants to know.”
John Dumelo – V8 controversy
In late March 2017, the actor was accused of driving without approval a government vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser with registration GE 8118 –16. The car he used throughout the 2016 campaign period begging for votes for the then President John Mahama, was found at a workshop in 2017 with men trying to respray the vehicle.
It was at a time when ex-government officials were accused of running away with state vehicles forcing the state to constitute a taskforce to hunt for the missing vehicles.
Dumelo, in an interview on Joy FM noted that he bought the car but had to let it go in the wake of the controversy.
Arguments for New Parliamentary Chamber
Majority Leader in Parliament, Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, has justified plans for the construction of a proposed chamber despite heavy criticisms and fierce opposition to the project.
Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu explained that the current chamber makes it extremely difficult for most of the Members of Parliament to get the attention of the Speaker to contribute to discussions on the Floor of the House, hence the need for the new chamber.
Speaking on Citi TV, he said some of the MPs sit behind the pillars of the chamber thus unable to attract the Speaker’s attention where necessary.
“Parliament since independence is that one arm of government that has not had a purpose fit built facility for it so this is not a decision we are making today. The reason the Board is considering this is because of the myriad of challenges confronting the current chamber. When this chamber was increased to 275 seats, it exposed then columns in the chamber with many members sitting behind these columns such that they are not able to attract the eye of the Speaker. We have just indicated in the research findings that some constituents are saying that, they are not able to hear their MPs talk or even identified by the Speaker even when they rise up,” he said.