A new attendance report from Parliament has revealed a worrying trend of absenteeism among some lawmakers during the first session of 2025, which spanned 43 sittings between January and March.
The report lists Felix Akwetey Nii Okle, Member of Parliament for Bortianor-Ngleshi Amanfro, as the most absent MP, having missed 23 sittings within the three-month period.
He was closely followed by Joseph Frempong of Nkawkaw, who was absent on 22 occasions, and Ernest Yaw Anim of Kumawu, who failed to attend 21 sittings.
Other legislators who recorded high absentee rates include:
- Col. Kwadwo Damoah (Rtd.) – Jaman South (19 absences)
- Dr Cassiel Ato Forson – Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam & Minister for Finance (17 absences)
- Blay Nyameke Armah – Sekondi (16 absences)
- Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa – North Tongu & Minister for Foreign Affairs (15 absences)
- Dr Nana Ayew Afriyie – Effiduase-Asokore (14 absences)
- Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah – Takoradi (14 absences)
- Kwaku Agyeman Kwarteng – Obuasi West (14 absences)
- Sam Nartey George – Ningo-Prampram (13 absences)
- Dr Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo – Wa Central & Minister for Employment (13 absences)
- Francis-Xavier Sosu – Madina (13 absences)
The findings have sparked renewed calls for accountability and reform, with Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin directing parliamentary clerks to tighten attendance monitoring mechanisms.
Mr Bagbin reportedly expressed concern over the trend, warning that persistent absenteeism could lead to disciplinary sanctions, including the loss of a parliamentary seat, in line with Article 97(1)(c) of the 1992 Constitution and Standing Order 16(1)—which stipulate that an MP who is absent without permission for 15 consecutive sittings may forfeit their seat.
Civil society groups have welcomed the publication of the report, describing it as a “crucial step toward transparency and performance-based governance.”
Governance analyst Dr Emmanuel Akwetey noted that publishing attendance records is essential for voter accountability:
“Lawmakers must understand that attendance is not symbolic — it is the foundation of legislative responsibility. Ghanaians deserve representatives who show up.”
Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Service has hinted that subsequent reports will include details of committee attendance and constituency engagement, offering a more holistic measure of MPs’ productivity ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Click the link Puretvonline.com | WhatsApp Channel to join the WhatsApp channel
GOT A STORY?
Contact/WhatsApp: +233243201960 or manuelnkansah33@gmail.com