The latest parliamentary attendance report has identified MPs with highest absences without permission, revealing worrying trends in Ghana’s legislature. The review covered the first quarter of 2025, during which Members of Parliament attended forty-three sittings between January and March. However, several lawmakers missed multiple sessions without obtaining written approval from the Speaker as required by parliamentary regulations.
The report showed that Felix Akwetey Nii Okle, Member of Parliament for Bortianor-Ngleshi Amanfro, recorded the most unauthorised absences, missing twenty-three sittings. He was followed by Joseph Frempong of Nkawkaw with twenty-two absences, and Ernest Yaw Anim of Kumawu with twenty-one. These figures go beyond the limits stated in Article 97(1)(c) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which warns that an MP who is absent for fifteen consecutive sittings without permission may lose their seat.
According to the Clerk’s Office, repeated absenteeism without permission weakens parliamentary oversight and reduces the quality of constituency representation. The Speaker has since cautioned lawmakers to take attendance seriously, stressing that persistent neglect of duty will not be tolerated.
Political analysts have also criticised the growing pattern of absenteeism, arguing that it reflects a lack of accountability among public officials. They believe the legislature must lead by example through transparency and commitment to national service.
Meanwhile, thirty-four MPs were recognised for attending every sitting within the period, demonstrating that full participation is possible despite competing responsibilities. Observers say consistent monitoring and sanctions are essential to improve discipline and restore confidence in the parliamentary system.
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Going forward, sustained transparency will be needed to restore confidence in parliamentary discipline. Without rigorous enforcement of attendance rules, the trend of unauthorised absenteeism might continue. The spotlight now turns to how Parliament, and its members, respond to the findings and the consequences they face.
