NDC absent from sitting

Accra, Feb 6, GNA - Parliament on Tuesday sat without any of the 94 National Democratic Congress (NDC) members who reportedly were responding to an official summons by the Party hierarchy.

Mr Alban Bagbin, Minority Leader, told the Ghana News Agency shortly before sitting began that the summons might be related to the jailing of Mr Dan Abodakpi, NDC-Keta.

Mr Bagbin said he had informed the Speaker, Mr Ebenezer Sekyi Hughes, about his side's inability to attend the day's business. "I have just informed Mr Speaker and I am sure he is on his way to the chamber."

He, however, admitted that their absence might pose a problem of quorum, saying the House cannot function adequately without the NDC Minority.

Earlier, three NDC members were seen at the lobby in groups, spotting red and black arm bands.

When the Speaker entered the chamber at 1016 hours, there were only 34 MPs.

The Speaker did not comment on the absence of the NDC members, but proceeded with prayers and later called for questions as advertised in the Order Paper.

At this stage it was realised that some of the questions which stood in the names of some NDC members could not be asked because they were absent.