Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has issued a stern warning to Members of Parliament (MPs) habitually absent from sittings without permission, stating they risk sanctions including the potential vacation of their seats as per the House’s Standing Orders.
Addressing the House on Wednesday, October 29, Bagbin expressed frustration over persistent absenteeism since the 9th Parliament resumed, revealing he withheld publishing attendance records from the first two meetings in hopes of improvement. “It looks like a catastrophic mistake I did… it has encouraged members not to be present,” he lamented, directing the Clerk to Parliament to maintain detailed records for referral to the Privileges Committee.
Under Standing Order 16, MPs absent for 15 or more sitting days in a session without leave may be deemed to have vacated their seats, subject to committee review. Bagbin emphasized: “We will be taking action to make sure that we compel members to sit or to be considered to have vacated their seats. This matter, I will say no more.”
The caution comes amid low turnout in the NDC-dominated House (183 seats), with critics blaming post-election complacency. Majority Leader Cassiel Ato Forson supported the directive, urging members to prioritize duties, while Minority Chief Whip Kwame Governs Agbodza pledged compliance.
