The issue of whether Members of Parliament should be allowed to use sirens for their parliamentary duties continues to spark debate among politicians and the general public. Recently, John Dumelo, the MP for Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency, shared his perspective on the matter, stating that he personally does not see the need for sirens in carrying out his role.
While acknowledging that sirens can make transportation more convenient, Dumelo emphasized that he does not consider them essential for his work as an MP. He pointed out that while some of his colleagues may support the use of sirens, he respectfully disagrees with them.
Dumelo’s comments come in the midst of ongoing discussions among MPs about the use of sirens. He referenced a recent statement by Kwame Obeng Asare, also known as A Plus, who has expressed a change in his views regarding the necessity of sirens for MPs. Dumelo stated that while A Plus may believe that sirens are necessary, he personally does not share the same opinion.
As the MP for Ayawaso West Wuogon, Dumelo was elected in the 2024 general election under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ticket. The use of sirens by government officials, including MPs, has been a contentious issue in the past, with a proposed law permitting their use facing significant public backlash and ultimately being abandoned.
Dumelo’s stance on sirens contrasts with A Plus, the newly elected MP for Gomoa Central, who has shifted his position on the issue. A Plus recently revealed in an interview that his experiences in office have led him to understand why some MPs advocate for the use of sirens. He recounted a situation where he needed to navigate through heavy traffic to fulfill his dual responsibilities as a legislator and constituency representative.
Both Dumelo and A Plus’ differing perspectives highlight the complexity of the debate surrounding the use of sirens by Members of Parliament. As discussions on this matter continue, it remains to be seen how policymakers will address the practicality and necessity of sirens for facilitating the efficient execution of parliamentary duties.
