A new attendance report from Ghana’s Parliament has revealed the Members of Parliament (MPs) with the highest number of absences during the House’s first session of 2025 covering 43 sittings between January and March.

According to the records, six opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs were among the top ten most absentee lawmakers, while four MPs from the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) also appeared on the list.

Bortianor-Ngleshi MP tops list of most absent MPs in first 2025 parliamentary session

The report further indicated that two of the NDC MPs on the list currently serve as Ministers of State, raising concerns about the ability of ministers to balance their executive duties with legislative responsibilities.

Here is the list of the top 10 most absentee lawmakers for first session of 2025

NPP tops absentee list

Among the six NPP MPs with the most absences, Joseph Frempong, MP for Nkawkaw, topped the opposition list with 22 days absent.

He was followed by Ernest Yaw Anim, MP for Kumawu, who missed 21 sittings.

Retired military officer Col Kwadwo Damoah (Rtd), representing Jaman South, recorded 19 absences, while Dr Nana Ayew Afriye, MP for Effiduase-Asokore, missed 14 days.

Two other NPP lawmakers Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, MP for Takoradi and Kwaku Agyeman Kwarteng, MP for Obuasi West also recorded 14 absences each.

Four NDC MPs also on the list

On the part of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Felix Akwetey, MP for Bortianor-Ngleshie Amanfro, emerged as the most absent lawmaker in Parliament with 23 missed sittings, the highest overall.

He was followed by Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, MP for Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam and Minister for Finance, with 17 missed sittings.

Blay Nyamekye, MP for Sekondi, recorded 16 absences, while Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP for North Tongu and Minister for Foreign Affairs, was absent for 15 sittings

Parliament’s Standing Orders require MPs to seek permission from the Speaker if they are unable to attend sittings. Persistent absenteeism without approval can attract sanctions, including referral to the Privileges Committee.

AM/SSM

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