The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin’s expression of disappointment over the continuous absenteeism of some Members of Parliament (MPs), and his warning that disciplinary actions will be taken against those who fail to attend sittings, has been described as a step in the right direction.
Dr. Richard Fiadomor, President of the Chamber of Local Government, made this remark on Adekyee Mu Nsem, a morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM hosted by Alexander Nana Dogbe in Accra.
According to Dr. Fiadomor, the issue of absenteeism among MPs highlights the need for stakeholders reviewing the Constitution to address the challenge by clearly redefining the roles of Ministers and Members of Parliament.
He emphasized that it is long overdue to distinguish the core duties of MPs as lawmakers, noting that their perceived responsibility as agents of local development often conflicts with the mandates of District Chief Executives (DCEs).
“This confusion of roles,” Dr. Fiadomor explained, “is one of the major reasons some MPs absent themselves from parliamentary sittings, as they often juggle multiple engagements or seek extra income to meet the expectations of their constituents.”
He further urged the Speaker to “crack the whip” by investigating the underlying challenges affecting MPs’ attendance, including internal party pressures that may prioritize political interests over parliamentary business.
In a related development, Speaker Bagbin has reiterated his frustration over MPs’ poor attendance. Addressing the House on Wednesday, he revealed that he had earlier received attendance reports for the first and second meetings but chose not to publish them, hoping it would improve participation.
However, he admitted that the decision was counterproductive.
“It looks like that was a catastrophic mistake I made,” the Speaker confessed. “I should have published the records and referred members to the Privileges Committee.”
Mr. Bagbin disclosed that he has instructed parliamentary clerks to record attendance for the current meeting, warning that MPs who continue to absent themselves will face sanctions in accordance with parliamentary standing orders.
“I have directed the clerks at the table to take attendance for this meeting. We will take action to compel members to sit, or they will be considered to have vacated their seats,” he stressed.