SHOW UP TO WORK OR RISK YOUR SEAT DECLARED VACANT – Speaker Warns MPs
Speaker Alban Bagbin issues a final warning to lawmakers over chronic absenteeism, threatening to enforce constitutional provisions that could see persistent absentees lose their parliamentary seats.
Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has delivered a stern ultimatum to Members of Parliament, warning that consistent absenteeism from parliamentary sittings could lead to their seats being declared vacant in accordance with constitutional provisions.
The Speaker’s strong rebuke came during proceedings on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, as Parliament continues to grapple with chronically low attendance since resuming sessions last week, a pattern that has persisted throughout the year.
“We have the Standing Orders. We know what they say. We’ll be taking action to ensure that members are compelled to sit or be considered to have vacated their seats,” Bagbin declared, reminding lawmakers that the Constitution mandates vacation of seats for MPs who miss 15 sitting days without the Speaker’s permission.
The Speaker expressed disappointment at what he described as MPs’ growing disregard for plenary sessions, noting that this attitude damages Parliament’s public image. He explained that the current schedule with afternoon sittings was specifically designed to allow MPs mornings for committee work, constituent engagements, and ministry consultations.
“I’m saying this for the last time,” Bagbin emphasized, announcing that he has directed clerks to maintain detailed attendance records for the current meeting and that sanctions would follow if absenteeism continues.
The warning puts MPs on notice that parliamentary leadership is prepared to enforce long-dormant constitutional provisions to address the chronic attendance problem that has plagued the current session
Source:NKONKONSA.com
