A new attendance report from the Parliament of Ghana has revealed worrying levels of absenteeism among Members of Parliament (MPs), with some lawmakers missing more than half of the House’s sittings during the First Session of 2025.
The report, which covered 43 sittings held between January and March this year, named Mr Felix Akwetey Nii Okle, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP for Bortianor-Ngleshi Amanfro, as the most absent legislator, having missed 23 sittings.
He was followed by Mr Joseph Frempong, New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for Nkawkaw, who was absent 22 times, and the late Ernest Yaw Anim, former NPP MP for Kumawu, who missed 21 sittings before his passing.
Other MPs who recorded high absenteeism included Col. Kwadwo Damoah (Rtd.), NDC MP for Jaman South (19 absences); Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, NDC MP for Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam and Minister for Finance (17 absences); and Mr Blay Nyameke Armah, NDC MP for Sekondi (16 absences).
Also on the list were Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, NDC MP for North Tongu and Minister for Foreign Affairs (15 absences); Dr Nana Ayew Afriyie, NPP MP for Effiduase-Asokore; Mr Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, NPP MP for Takoradi; and Mr Kwaku Agyeman Kwarteng, NPP MP for Obuasi West, each missing 14 sittings.
In addition, Mr Sam Nartey George, NDC MP for Ningo-Prampram; Dr Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, NDC MP for Wa Central and Minister for Employment; and Mr Francis-Xavier Sosu, NDC MP for Madina, were each recorded as having missed 13 sittings.
Speaker expresses disappointment
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has expressed deep disappointment at the persistent absenteeism among MPs, warning that disciplinary measures will be enforced to address the trend.
Addressing the House, Mr Bagbin said he had previously decided not to publish attendance records for the First and Second Meetings of Parliament, hoping that MPs would show improvement in subsequent sessions. However, that expectation, he admitted, had not been met.
“Honourable members, it looks like that was a catastrophic mistake I made. I should have brought it out and referred members to the Privileges Committee,” the Speaker stated, drawing attention to what he described as a lack of commitment by some legislators.
Bagbin orders stricter monitoring
Mr Bagbin disclosed that he had directed parliamentary clerks to keep strict attendance records for the current Meeting, stressing that MPs who continue to absent themselves without reasonable cause risk being sanctioned under the Standing Orders of Parliament.
“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,” he warned.
The Speaker’s remarks have reignited public debate over MPs’ accountability and the need to enforce constitutional provisions that penalize absenteeism. Under Article 97(1)(c) of the 1992 Constitution, an MP who is absent from 15 sittings of a meeting of Parliament without the Speaker’s written permission can lose their seat.
Observers say the latest report underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of parliamentary rules to restore discipline and ensure that legislators fulfil their constitutional duties to the electorate.
- Mr Felix Akwetey Nii Okle
- Mr Joseph Frempong,
- Ernest Yaw Anim,
- Col. Kwadwo Damoah (Rtd.)
- Dr Cassiel Ato Forson,
- Mr Blay Nyameke Armah,
- Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa,
- Dr Nana Ayew Afriyie,
- Mr Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah,
- Mr Kwaku Agyeman Kwarteng,
- Mr Sam Nartey George,
- Dr Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo,
- Mr Francis-Xavier Sosu
