A recent audit into the attendance records of Ghana’s parliament has revealed that several Members of Parliament (MPs) have missed multiple sittings during the first quarter of 2025 without authorization. This has raised conversations about accountability and participation of MPs in legislative work.
Leading the list is Felix Akwetey Nii Okle, MP for Bortianor-Ngleshi Amanfrom, who has been absent for 23 days, the highest number recorded, while, Joseph Frempong, MP for Nkawkaw, has been absent for 22 days.
He is followed by Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, MP for Ajumako/Enyan/Essiam and Minority Leader, with 17 days of absence.
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Other MPs with notable absences include Blay Nyameke Armah of Sekondi (16 days), Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa of North Tongu (14 days), and Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie of Effiduase/Asokore (14 days).
Kwabena Boateng of Ejisu and Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo of Wa Central both recorded 13 days of absence. Three MPs, Ernest Yaw Anim (Kumawu), John Abdulai Jinapor (Yapei Kusawgu), and Kwaku Agyeman Kwarteng (Obuasi West), each missed 11 days.
A group of lawmakers, including Kwabena Mintah Akandoh (Juaboso), Simon Ampaabeng Kyeremeh (Berekum East), Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah (Takoradi), Ahmed Ibrahim (Banda), and Abdul-Salam Adams (New Edubiase), were absent for 10 days each.
Several MPs missed eight sittings, among them Alexander Akwasi Acquah (Akim Oda), Vincent Oppong Asamoah (Dormaa West), Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine (Bolgatanga East), Godfred Henry Bentil (Mpohor), Dr. Gideon Boako (Tano North), and Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (Ellembele).
Others in this category include Ms. Abla Dzifa Gomashie (Ketu South), Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw (Wa East), Alhaji Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka (Asawase), Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane (Nabdam), Felix Akwetey Nii Okle (Bortianor-Ngleshe Amanfro), Ms. Gloria Owusu (Trobu), and Mrs. Queenstar Maame Pokuah Sawyerr (Agona East).
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has since directed parliamentary clerks to strengthen attendance monitoring, warning that persistent absenteeism could trigger sanctions, including loss of seat, in accordance with parliamentary rules.