Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has issued a firm warning to MPs who repeatedly absent themselves from parliamentary proceedings, indicating that continued non-attendance could lead to referral to the Privileges Committee and possible declaration of seats vacant.
The warning comes against the backdrop of persistently low attendance in the chamber since the 9th Parliament began.
Addressing MPs at the start of Wednesday’s sitting, Speaker Bagbin expressed disappointment over the failure of previous warnings to improve attendance.
“Before usually I commence proceedings, I will take account of those present. I am not happy with the situation. I did indicate from the very beginning of this meeting that I have the records of attendance for the first meeting and the second meeting. I decided for good reason not to publish them, but to give you the last opportunity. It looks like that is a catastrophic mistake I made. I should have brought it out and referred members to the Privileges Committee,” the Speaker said.
He emphasized that the current sitting would serve as a final warning, with attendance now being officially recorded.
“I am saying this for the last time. I have given directive to the clerks at the table to take the records for this meeting. Please, we have the standing orders. We know what they say. We will be taking action to make sure that we prepare members to sit or to be considered to have vacated their seats,” he added.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
