MPs Who Fail to Attend Sittings Without Permission Risk Losing Their Seats – Bagbin

Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has warned Members of Parliament (MPs) that they risk losing their seats if they continue to absent themselves from parliamentary sittings without permission. Addressing the House on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, the Speaker expressed deep concern over the increasing trend of absenteeism among lawmakers, which he said undermines the integrity and effectiveness of Parliament.

Bagbin disclosed that he had received detailed attendance records from the first and second meetings of the current session but chose not to make them public in the hope that MPs would take corrective action. However, he noted that attendance levels had not improved, forcing him to consider taking stricter measures in line with constitutional provisions. “I have the records of attendance before me, and while I initially decided to withhold them, it appears that some Honourable Members are taking this institution for granted,” he said firmly.

According to Article 97(1)(c) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, an MP shall vacate their seat if they are absent from fifteen sittings of Parliament in a meeting without the written permission of the Speaker and are unable to offer a satisfactory explanation to the Parliamentary Committee on Privileges. Bagbin reminded members that this constitutional clause is not symbolic but a binding rule that must be enforced to protect the sanctity of Parliament.

He explained that Parliament operates as the representative body of the Ghanaian people and that every MP’s presence and participation in deliberations are crucial for decision-making, lawmaking, and oversight. “The people who voted for you did not send you here to be invisible. Attendance is not optional; it is a core part of your duty as a legislator,” Bagbin cautioned.

The Speaker’s comments come amid growing public criticism that many MPs attend only high-profile sessions or appear primarily when issues of personal or political interest are being discussed. Recent debates on the absenteeism of MPs have reignited calls for parliamentary reforms, including the introduction of attendance-based sanctions and performance tracking systems.

Bagbin emphasized that Parliament is not a “part-time job” and that lawmakers must demonstrate commitment and discipline befitting their roles as national representatives. “You are elected to serve, not to disappear. When you fail to attend sittings, you deny your constituents their voice in this chamber,” he said.

He further stated that Parliament will soon consider publishing attendance records if absenteeism persists. Such publication, according to him, will promote transparency and accountability and allow Ghanaians to assess whether their MPs are fulfilling their mandates. “We cannot demand accountability from the Executive if we, as legislators, fail to be accountable ourselves,” he stressed.

The Speaker also urged parliamentary leadership, including Whips from both the Majority and Minority sides, to take the matter seriously by ensuring that members attend sessions regularly. He warned that habitual absenteeism not only breaches parliamentary ethics but also risks creating legislative gridlock, delaying important bills and motions.

Political analysts have commended Bagbin’s firm stance, describing it as necessary to restore discipline in Ghana’s legislative process. They argue that chronic absenteeism has long been one of the major weaknesses in Ghana’s Parliament, often leading to quorum challenges and rushed decision-making. Others, however, note that structural issues—such as MPs having to balance parliamentary duties with constituency work—also contribute to absenteeism.

Civil society groups such as the Parliamentary Network Africa (PNAfrica) and the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) have in the past called for public access to MPs’ attendance data. They maintain that such transparency will strengthen parliamentary democracy and allow citizens to make informed choices during elections.

Speaker Bagbin’s warning comes at a time when public trust in Parliament has been fluctuating due to perceptions of inefficiency and political polarization. His call for accountability, therefore, is being seen as an attempt to rebuild confidence in the institution and reinforce its role as a pillar of Ghana’s democracy.

In closing, Bagbin reaffirmed that the enforcement of Article 97(1)(c) is not meant to punish MPs but to ensure that Parliament functions effectively. He reminded members that “service in this House is a privilege and a duty, not a favour to the people.” He urged all legislators to recommit themselves to their responsibilities and uphold the dignity of Parliament by showing up and actively participating in deliberations.

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