The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has criticised the New Patriotic Party (NPP) caucus' boycott of a three-day orientation workshop for Members of Parliament over cost concerns, describing it as unacceptable.

Speaking at the workshop on Monday, March 3, 2025, he urged the Minority Members of Parliament (MPs) to rise above political differences.

"Please don't allow your political differences to enslave you. Don't be also enslaved by our history. That's one of the biggest challenges we have in this country," he stated.

He emphasised that the selection of venues for such workshops is not partisan.

"The turbulence of Parliament once again has shown. I only saw a WhatsApp message last night that our colleagues, our brothers and sisters of the New Patriotic Party, have opted out, giving a reason that is completely unacceptable. There is good reason why we choose venues for this.

"There's always a search party, and they go around, discuss with the various hospitalities, look at the cost components, the facilities, their suitability, the convenience of your movement. But there are other pressures on you, and there are score marks before we decide where to go. There's no partisanship in this at all. This time around, the Parliamentary Service followed the same. That is what is done," he noted.

Bagbin further elaborated on the venue selection process for the workshop.

"The final results are brought to the Speaker. And until I have a very good reason why it shouldn't be at that place; I just give my [approval]. And to have 276 Members of Parliament and staff, because the staff work with you. And if you don't build the capacity of the staff, the institution, they will not be in the position to serve you, to provide what you need to be able to satisfy the immeasurable, unlimited demands of the country, of your people, and of the world," he added.

The workshop, which was organised by the Parliamentary Training Institute (PTI), started on Saturday, March 1, 2025, and it is expected to end on Monday, March 3, 2025.

The NPP MPs refused to attend the workshop citing concerns over the venue and associated expenses, arguing that Parliament House would have been an ideal venue.

JKB/AE

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