Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, has expressed deep frustration over the persistent absence of Members of Parliament (MPs) from parliamentary proceedings, describing the situation as disappointing and unacceptable.
Speaking in the House on Wednesday, October 29, the Speaker revealed that he had received attendance reports for the first and second meetings since Parliament resumed but chose not to make them public, hoping the situation would improve. However, he lamented that his leniency appears to have worsened the problem.
“It looks like a catastrophic mistake I made. I should have published the records and referred members to the Privileges Committee,” Bagbin stated. “I thought that was not a good way to begin this meeting, but it seems my decision encouraged some members to stay away.”
Bagbin has since instructed the Clerk to Parliament to keep detailed attendance records to identify lawmakers who consistently absent themselves without permission. He cautioned that the House would not hesitate to enforce disciplinary measures, including possible loss of seats, against such members.
“We will take action to ensure that members either attend sittings or are deemed to have vacated their seats. This matter, I will say no more,” he warned.
The Speaker’s comments highlight growing concerns about declining commitment among MPs, as absenteeism continues to cast a shadow on parliamentary efficiency and accountability.
