Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has issued a stern warning to Members of Parliament (MPs) who habitually absent themselves from parliamentary sittings, cautioning that such behaviour could lead to the loss of their seats.
Addressing the House, the Speaker reminded MPs of their constitutional duty to attend proceedings regularly, emphasising that Parliament’s effectiveness depends on active participation by all members.
He cited provisions in the 1992 Constitution and the Standing Orders of Parliament, which state that any MP who is absent from fifteen sittings of Parliament in a meeting without written permission from the Speaker may forfeit their seat.
Bagbin stressed that attendance is not merely a formality but a core responsibility that reflects respect for the electorate and commitment to national service.
“It looks like that was a catastrophic mistake I made… I should have brought it out and referred members to the Privileges Committee,” he stated.
He added that the Clerk to Parliament has been directed to keep strict attendance records, and any MP found in violation of the attendance rules would face the appropriate sanctions.
“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,” Bagbin added.
Bagbin also urged political parties to take an active interest in ensuring that their representatives honour their parliamentary obligations.
His warning comes amid growing public concern about low attendance during crucial debates and sittings, including discussions on key national policies and budget matters.
