By Edzorna Francis Mensah
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has observed that the first meeting of the second session of the 8th Parliament recorded too many empty seats in the history of Ghana’s Parliamentary Democracy under the fourth Republic of Ghana.
According to him, avoidable absenteeism has led to a number of premature adjournments on several occasions and delayed decisions on issues that are essential to the country’s development and growth.
Speaking at the closing of the 1st meeting of the 2nd session of the 8th Parliament of the 4th republic on Tuesday, April 05 2022 under the sub-topic “absenteeism and delays”, The Speaker said, he finds it very difficult to understand why honorable members of the August House will decide to stay away from the business of the House for days without permission as he submitted that, “this meeting has seen far too many empty seats. I do not understand why MPs will refuse to participate in very important businesses of the House”.
He put it in this way, “Members, despite the hard work and dedication of the House in its quest to serve the good people of Ghana, a few members over the period, have not lived up to the expectations of their constituents. I have had to draw your attention to the slow pace of work of various committees that is delaying many bills and businesses before the House”.
The not too happy looking Speaker, charged the MPs to show seriousness in the second meeting ….“these must be taken seriously as they are important building blocks for national development. Bear in mind that “delays always breed danger, and to protract a great design is often to ruin it” so says Miguel De Cervantes, a Spanish Novelist. Our own Minister for Roads and Highways, Hon. Amoako Attah will tell you: “hurry up; double up; you are far behind; we are leaving you behind!” (Amoako-Attah 2021)”.
Earlier, The Speaker in his formal communication to the House has referred three (3) Members of Parliament to the Privileges Committee for absenting themselves for fifteen (15) sitting days. the Speaker mentioned Sara Adwoa Safo (MP Dome Kwabenya), Kennedy Agyapong (MP Assin Central), and Henry Quartey (MP Ayawaso Central) for absenting themselves for more than fifteen sitting days within the First Meeting of the Second Session, per the records from the Clerks at Table.
Speaker Bagbin supported his ruling with article 97 (1)c of the Constitution which states that: “A member of Parliament shall vacate his seat in Parliament if he is absent, without the permission in writing to the Speaker and he is unable to offer a reasonable explanation to the Parliamentary Committee on Privileges from fifteen Sittings of a meeting of Parliament during any period that Parliament has been summoned to meet and continues to meet”, the Standing Orders and a number of rulings from the Supreme Court. The Rt. Hon. Speaker indicated that his ruling was also based on petitions submitted to him on absenteeism of Members of Parliament.
As the House breaks for the Easter season, he reminded members to use the recess to connect with the people upon whose mandate they find themselves in the House as he noted that, “this short period includes the Muslim Fast, which began a few days ago. The Christians also look forward to Easter and many others. I humbly request you to use this period to build stronger relationships and bonds with your constituents. Visit them in their homes, the mosques, in the churches and demonstrate to them that their hopes and aspirations remain foremost on your mind”.
The Speaker also use the opportunity to draw the MPs’ attention to the fact that this period is usually characterized by so much insecurity across the length and breadth of the country, and “It is a time when many road accidents also occur. I, therefore, advise that you take a paramount interest in your safety on our roads. Drive cautiously and keep safe at every material moment as the House needs each and every one of you back, safe and sound”.
