Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has expressed deep disappointment over the continuous absenteeism of some Members of Parliament (MPs), warning that disciplinary actions will be taken against those who fail to attend sittings.
Addressing the House on Wednesday, Mr. Bagbin said he had received attendance reports for the first and second meetings but decided not to publish them in hopes of improving attendance.
However, he admitted that the decision had backfired.
“It looks like that was a catastrophic mistake I made,” the Speaker said. “I should have brought it out and referred members to the Privileges Committee.”
He indicated his directives to the parliamentary clerks to record attendance for the current meeting and noted that members who were absent will be punished in accordance with parliamentary standing orders.
“I have given directives to the clerks at the table to take the records for this meeting. We will be taking action to compel members to sit or to be considered to have vacated their seats,” Mr. Bagbin stressed.