The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has criticised Members of Parliament for excessive absenteeism on the floor, warning against incompetence and a failure to uphold the vows they took during their swearing-in.
He urged parliamentarians to prioritise the business of the House when Parliament is in session before attending to external duties.
Bagbin expressed the concern during Tuesday, February 10, parliamentary proceedings, which saw only 20 MPs present in the chamber — seven on his left and 13 on his right — a situation he lamented as obstructing the House’s work.
“These days, it is difficult for me to ask you to recite the national pledge because what is coming out of your mouths contradicts your actions. You are not encouraging us to go by our rules. Leaders pass on this.
“Leaders pass on this. At least whatever leaders are to do, appear here, start the work, and then you can move on to attend to the other pleasures. But when we came, the number was only 20: 7 to my left, 13 to my right.”
