You Cannot Only Be Majority on Ceremonial Days – Minority Leader Slams Majority Over Absenteeism
The leader of the minority caucus in parliament and Member of Parliament for the Efutu Constituency, Honorable Afenyo Markin, has criticized the majority for their persistent absenteeism during parliamentary sessions. This statement follows concerns raised by the Deputy Minority Whip and MP for the Tolon Constituency, Honorable Habib Iddrisu, regarding the quorum needed for the laying of eight significant bills by the finance minister.
“Mr. Speaker, with utmost respect, if you look at the chamber right now, there are only 40 members on their side, which is about 21 percent. We have 26 members here, making up 30 percent of our number. I urge you to speak to the majority side. The finance minister is here to present and conduct the first reading of these important bills, yet only 21 percent of them are present. This does not reflect well on us, and we need to take government business seriously,” Iddrisu stated.
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In response to these remarks, Honorable Afenyo Markin expressed his frustration with the majority’s tendency to prioritize ceremonial events over regular parliamentary duties. He pointed out that despite having a majority of 187 members, their absence during critical business sessions is troubling.
“A parliament with a majority of 187 cannot only be present on ceremonial days. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I watched the swearing-in ceremony for the Deputy Ministers and Minister of State. Many MPs from the Majority Front Bench were at Jubilee House. They were there, and it was all over the TV,” Markin remarked.
He emphasized that their responsibilities lie within the chamber, not at Jubilee House. “Your business is in this chamber, not Jubilee House. Mr. Speaker, I can provide evidence; I watched the TV coverage. Being in the majority is not just about numbers; it reflects your commitment to government business,” he added.
Markin further underscored the seriousness of the situation, stating that without adequate attendance from the majority, the planned bills would not be laid as scheduled. “Mr. Speaker, it’s a very serious matter. Until you bring your numbers in, the Minister of Finance will not lay any paper. It’s simply not going to happen.”
He also accused the NDC majority of spending too much time at Jubilee House pursuing presidential appointments instead of participating in parliamentary activities. “The NDC majority must show seriousness. We need to allow him to lay his papers so he can return to the ministry. This house is not just for ceremonial days; you come here for the State of the Nation Address and dress up for the budget, but when it comes to actual government business, you’re absent. You’re all at Jubilee negotiating for board positions and deputy minister roles,” he concluded.
