Alban S. K. Bagbin
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban S. K. Bagbin, has described as alarming the level of absenteeism and disregard for plenary sessions by Members of Parliament (MPs), warning that errant lawmakers risk losing their seats if the trend continues.
Visibly frustrated during proceedings yesterday, the Speaker accused MPs of failing to attach seriousness to their core legislative duties despite several reminders and adjustments made to the House’s schedule to accommodate their other responsibilities.
“I’m not happy with the way members value plenary sessions. I have the records of attendance for the first and second meetings. I decided, for good reason, not to publish them, but it looks like that was a catastrophic mistake. I should have brought them out and referred members to the Privileges Committee,” Mr. Bagbin fumed.
The Speaker explained that Parliament had deliberately shifted sittings to the afternoons to enable MPs to attend committee meetings, work on reports, and engage with their constituents during the mornings.
However, he lamented that even with this flexibility, attendance in the chamber had not improved.
“Two o’clock sittings were designed to give you time to work in committees and interact with ministries during official hours, yet many members still don’t show up. That is unacceptable,” he stressed.
“I’ve directed the clerks-at-table to record attendance for this meeting. We will enforce the standing orders to compel members to sit or be considered to have vacated their seats,” he said.
Mr. Bagbin noted that absenteeism in Parliament undermines public confidence in the institution, adding that Ghanaians do not appreciate excuses about “other commitments” when MPs fail to show up for business in the chamber.
He reminded legislators that the public expects them to be visibly engaged in parliamentary deliberations, especially during plenary sessions that are broadcast nationwide.
“Ghanaians are watching. When you’re absent, they see empty seats. They don’t accept excuses about being elsewhere. Your primary duty is to be in this House,” the Speaker cautioned.
Speaker Bagbin drew parallels to the Eighth Parliament, which he said had a hung parliament, noting that Ghanaians were patient and tolerant of that arrangement.
However, he said the current Parliament, with its large membership of 276, has failed to learn from history.
“Ghanaians tolerated us then, but this time, they expect better. I’m saying this for the last time,” the Speaker declared.
By Ernest Kofi Adu, Parliament House