The Member of Parliament for Kwesimitsim, Dr. Prince Hamid Armah corrected a misconception and propaganda being spewed by his critics that suggests he’s out of touch with constituents. In a clever response to such criticisms, the legislator said, his perceived absence in the constituency is the result of the significant development unfolding in the area.
Speaking in an interview on the sidelines of the 39th Farmer’s Day ceremony held in the Kwesimintsim Constituency, Dr Prince Hamid Armah indicated that he’s been very responsible to his office as a representative of the people in parliament. He noted that his visibility is a function of Parliamentary obligations as well as constituents’ expectations of his participation in social events.
Dr. Armah clarified that, at best, he’s kept a balance between the two whiles promoting the development of the constituency.
“It’s a matter of a trade-off. Is it visibility without development or development without visibility, or a balance between the two? And I chose the balance because the national cake or resources are distributed and shared in Accra.
“The most important thing for our constituents to understand is that you have to be in Accra, to be able to lobby for projects and bring development. Secondly, it is a statutory requirement for an MP to be in parliament because absenteeism for fifteen days…you will be subjected to the Privileges Committee to explain and possibly a declaration of your seat vacant,” he explained.
Dr. Prince Hamid Armah recounted an incident in parliament where a hospital project meant for the Offinso North was nearly transferred to Offinso South, had the member of parliament for the latter been absent.
With this knowledge, Dr. Prince Hamid Armah is determined not only to be present at all times in parliament but also lobby for projects for his constituency. That said, he indicated that he’s been in constant touch with his people and thus participated in public functions as required of him.
“I attend public functions when I am available and where I am not, I designate high-powered officers to attend, and where there is a need for donation, we do that.”
Dr. Prince Hamid Armah is seeking for a second term to represent the people of Kwesimitsim Constituency. Before that, he’s expected to win the upcoming parliamentary primaries in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) which is scheduled for 20 January 2024.