“I now understand the need for sirens for MPs” – A Plus

The newly elected Member of Parliament (MP) for Gomoa Central, Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as A Plus, has shifted his stance on MPs using sirens to navigate traffic.

In an interview, he shared how his recent experience in office has altered his previous opposition to the practice.

“Before I entered Parliament, I criticized MPs for wanting sirens. I called a friend who is a dispatch rider and asked for help. I told him, ‘Please get me out of this traffic, take me to my constituency, and bring me back to Parliament,” A Plus admitted.

A Plus explained that his responsibilities as both a legislator and a constituency representative have made him understand why MPs advocate for the legal use of sirens.

 “It’s not an easy task at all. Today, for example, I was with the President in my constituency for the Ahmadiyya Muslim community’s annual convention in Gomoa Pomadze. At the same time, I had to attend to my duties in Parliament,” he said.

Highlighting the logistical challenges, A Plus pointed out how MPs with constituencies far from Accra face even greater difficulties.

“Imagine someone representing Paga needing to be there with the President and returning to Parliament on the same day. It’s very challenging,” he remarked.

A Plus, a former musician and activist, won his parliamentary seat as an independent candidate in the 2024 elections. His comments come amidst a broader debate on MPs’ use of sirens, a topic that has drawn public attention. In the previous Parliament, attempts to pass legislation granting MPs and government officials the right to use sirens failed due to widespread public opposition. Critics argued that such privileges would prioritize officials’ convenience over citizens’ rights.

While acknowledging the demands of his role, A Plus’s statements may revive discussions on the contentious issue. His candid perspective offers insight into the pressures MPs face as they juggle parliamentary duties and constituency obligations.