MPs must not serve on public boards – ACEPA boss

Dr. Rasheed Draman is the Executive Director of the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA). He has called for a complete ban on MPs serving on public boards.

His request comes after controversy involving Isaac Adongo. Adongo is the Chairman of Parliament’s Finance Committee and a member of the Bank of Ghana’s board. His Minority colleagues are scrutinizing him for a potential conflict of interest.

In an interview on May 20, Dr. Draman acknowledged that MPs have expertise. However, he believes their involvement creates ethical dilemmas that harm governance credibility.

He stated, “I don’t necessarily see anything wrong with MPs sitting on boards.” But to avoid conflicts of interest, he suggests amending Parliament's standing orders to prohibit this practice.

Dr. Draman’s comments reflect growing public debate about lawmakers' dual roles. Many experts and citizens feel the line between oversight and complicity is blurred when MPs oversee institutions they also govern.