Speaker Bagbin Warns Absent MPs: Loss of Seat Looms
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has issued a stern warning to MPs with persistently low attendance. He cautioned that severe sanctions, including the loss of their parliamentary seat, could be imposed on those consistently absent.
Several MPs have been identified as frequent absentees. Notable among them are Sam Nartey George (Ningo-Prampram), Dr Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo (Wa Central), and Francis-Xavier Sosu (Madina), each missing 13 sittings. Ernest Yaw Anim of Kumawu topped the list with 21 missed sessions. Dr Cassiel Ato Forson (Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam), Dr Nana Ayew Afriye (Effiduase-Asokore), Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah (Takoradi), and Kwaku Agyeman Kwarteng (Obuasi West) each missed 14 to 17 sittings.
Joseph Frempong (Nkawkaw) was absent on 22 occasions, while Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (North Tongu), Blay Nyameke Armah (Sekondi), and Col Kwadwo Damoah (Rtd) (Jaman South) missed 15 to 19 sittings. Felix Akwetey Nii Okle (Bortianor-Ngleshi Amanfro) was the most absent legislator with 23 missed sittings.
The Speaker's warning comes as the number of absent MPs continues to rise. While the specific number of absent MPs in the first session of 2025 who missed at least 10 meetings is not clear, the high number of absences among prominent MPs has raised concerns about the legislature's effectiveness.
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