54 MPs cited for absenteeism without permission in report

54 Members of Parliament have been found to be absenting themselves regularly from parliament without permission. 

These MPs have been cited for crossing the 15 sitting absence without permission threshold, and therefore violating article 97 Clause 1C of Ghana's 1992 Constitution, because there is no material evidence that the MP's sought permission in writing from the Speaker. 

This finding is contained in a Research Report by ODEKRO on the First Session of the Seventh Parliament.

The report said of the overall 54 absentee MPs, 34 chronically absentee MP's double as Ministers and Deputy Ministers of State. 

This raises the question of a constitutional amendment to Article 78, Clause 1 of the Constitution that empowers the President to appoint majority of his Ministers from Parliament.

ODEKRO in its report named MP for Assin Central, Ken Ohene Agyepong, MP for Lawra, Anthony Abayifaa Karbo and MP for Ningo Prampram, Samuel Nartey George among others as chronic absentees in Parliament. 

Meanwhile, Article 97, Clause 1C of the 1992 Constitution states that an MP shall vacate his seat in Parliament, if he is absent without permission in writing from the Speaker, and unable to offer a reasonable explanation to the Parliamentary Committee on Privileges.

In a related development, three Members of Parliament in the First Session of the Seventh Parliament went on record with perfect attendance in Parliament. 

ODEKRO in its findings named MP for Sene West, Twumasi Kwame Ampofo, MP for Atwima-Nwabiagya South, Emmanuel Agyei Anhwere and MP for Bortianor-Ngleshie Amanfro, Habib Saad among Members of the House who did not absent themselves from Parliamentary proceedings.

Meanwhile, ODEKRO's Director of Research and Content, Ernest Armah has been explaining some of the recommendations made in the Research and why Parliamentarians have criticised it for the damning report on absenteeism. 

He recommends that the Executive push for a review of Article 78, Clause 1 of Ghana's 1992 Constitution that empowers the President to appoint majority of his Ministers from Parliament, because that proves to be the bane for absenteeism in Parliament.

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