Parliament Names 28 Absentee MPs as Attendance Crisis Deepens
Accra, Ghana — Ghana’s Parliament has released a list of 28 Members of Parliament (MPs) who repeatedly missed sittings during the first quarter of 2025 without official permission, sparking a nationwide debate over accountability and legislative discipline.
The report, covering proceedings from January to March 2025, revealed that several MPs were absent for more than 20 out of 43 sittings, prompting a stern warning from Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, who cautioned that persistent absenteeism could result in the forfeiture of parliamentary seats.
According to the report, Joseph Frempong (Nkawkaw) topped the list of unapproved absences, missing 22 sittings without permission.
He was followed by Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson (Ajumako/Enyan/Essiam) with 17 absences, and Blay Nyameke Armah (Sekondi) with 16.
Other MPs with high absentee rates include Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (North Tongu) and Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie (Effiduase/Asokore), each missing 14 sittings, while Kwabena Boateng (Ejisu) and Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo (Wa Central) recorded between 11 and 13.
At least three MPs, including the top two absentees, are reportedly close to breaching the constitutional limit that could trigger automatic seat forfeiture.
Addressing the House, Speaker Alban Bagbin expressed deep concern over the trend, stressing that parliamentary attendance is a core duty, not a formality. “MPs who fail to attend sittings without permission risk vacating their seats,” he cautioned. “Attendance is not merely ceremonial — it is a vital aspect of parliamentary democracy that ensures accountability and transparency.”
The warning references Article 97(1)(c) of the 1992 Constitution, which stipulates that an MP shall lose their seat if absent without written permission for 15 sittings in a meeting of Parliament and fails to provide a satisfactory explanation to the Privileges Committee.
Concerns about absenteeism in Parliament are longstanding. Civil society groups estimate that 20–25% of MPs are regularly absent, a pattern that delays legislative work, undermines committee productivity, and weakens public confidence in the institution.
The publication of the absentee list marks a significant step toward transparency and reform, as it publicly exposes MPs failing to uphold their constitutional responsibilities.
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