Kwame Asare Obeng, the Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central, has pushed back against what he describes as a growing culture of political performance, drawing a distinction between visibility-driven politics and what he considers measurable delivery in office.
Speaking in a recent interview with 1957 News, A-Plus said his focus as a legislator is anchored in concrete development outcomes for his constituency, not on behaviours he believes are engineered to secure electoral favour.
He argued that parts of political life have become overly theatrical, with some actors allegedly shaping their public image to match expectations, including altering speech patterns and mannerisms. He said he has no interest in adopting such practices.
“Some people think if you’re a politician, you have to keep composure and even fake an accent sometimes. I’m not like that. By 2028, when we go back to account to the people, they will come to Gomoa and judge me based on what I have done,” he said.
According to him, the emphasis placed on perceived respectability among Members of Parliament often overshadows actual development work, even though constituents will ultimately assess performance based on results rather than appearance.
“I know they will say I don’t respect myself; then they will see what I’ve done in Gomoa and the MP that they think respects himself, they will see what he has also done,” he stated.
He also referenced a recent visit to Canada as an example of his priorities in office, saying he opted out of attending a Black Stars match in order to pursue solar energy opportunities for Gomoa Central.
“When I went to Canada, there was a Black Stars football match, but I didn’t go and watch. I was chasing solar for my constituency, while your respected MP was watching football. Your MP respect himself, but I don’t,” he shared.
A-Plus also criticised what he sees as unrealistic expectations placed on MPs by constituents, arguing that legislators are meant to focus on facilitating development and economic opportunities rather than taking on domestic roles.
“If you will get flooded if you build your house in a waterlogged area. I won’t pamper you. Some expect us to go round the neighbourhood and help them cook banku. I’m a big man, so I don’t cook banku,” he said.
He added, “I look for jobs for the youth; I don’t do chores for people. I’m too nice for that. I have a washing machine in my house and you would expect me to wash your things because of votes. Have you seen that before? You expect an honourable to do chores for you?”
He further argued that his financial independence reduces political pressure from voters, contrasting his position with what he described as colleagues who rely on public resources to maintain electoral security.
“Every MP who steals common fund and spends government money is scared of voters. I don’t spend government money and I don’t steal common fund. We were asked to go and watch football and the government would fund it, but I refused. I’m not scared of you as a voter,” he noted.
“You can vote for who will steal your money. I don’t respect but you can choose me regardless. You can either choose to vote for who will steal government money, or you don’t respect. I’m not your regular MP,” A-Plus further stated.
Watch his statement below.
