Parliament in Disarray: Bells Ring, Headcounts Called as Majority MPs Go Missing
Majority members’ frequent absences from Parliament have drawn criticism from the Minority Caucus, which claims that this makes it more difficult for government business to run smoothly. They pointed out that while the NDC has a 189-member supermajority, which is enough to create a quorum and make important decisions, many MPs do not show up for meetings. Citing Article 102 of the Constitution, which stipulates that a quorum of one-third of MPs is required, First Deputy Minority Whip Habib Iddrisu brought attention to the matter for the second time and requested the Speaker to enforce the law. Samuel Abu Jinapor, a member of parliament from Damango, adding that the Speaker had already reprimanded MPs for their recurrent absences, mentioning that 28 names had been published. Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor responded by citing Order 64 of the Standing Orders, which gives the Speaker the authority to control the proceedings and confirm quorum. This includes ringing the bell, taking a head count, and, if necessary, postponing the meeting for up to an hour. In order to guarantee that MPs attend plenary sessions, he also asked committee chairmen to schedule meetings in the morning instead of the afternoon.
