Majority chief whip Dafeamekpor cites accommodation, office issues as key factors behind MP absenteeism:
Rockson- Nelson Dafeamekpor, the Majority Chief Whip (NDC), has attributed the recent rise in absenteeism among Members of Parliament, particularly within his own party, to ongoing challenges related to accommodation and office logistics.
Dafeamekpor explained that a significant number of NDC MPs, especially the 81 first-time members, are currently focused on securing suitable accommodation in Accra and establishing functional offices, leading to their reduced presence in Parliament.
Dafeamekpor acknowledged the clear difficulties many MPs are facing. He described his own experience with a non-functional air conditioner in his former office for two years, forcing him to rely on a standing fan. He asserted that these infrastructural problems contribute to the overall issue of absenteeism.
“Some offices, the air conditioners are not working on about three floors. I used to be on the fifth floor. My air con, they didn’t work for like two years,” Dafeamekpor said. “So some of these people, they have some difficulties. But I can assure you that from about the end of this month, things will stabilize. People have their offices. Attendance will be better. Accommodation, residential issues will be better… Accommodation residential issues will be resolved.”
Dafeamekpor also addressed the recent difficulty in achieving quorum, attributing it to strategic maneuvers by the minority and a need for increased discipline among newer members. He mentioned a plan to meet with “Level 100 MTs” (new MPs) to emphasize the importance of regular attendance, particularly during morning sessions, for both practical and symbolic reasons.
“We want to meet them again on Tuesday and impress it upon them that no matter the domestic circumstances, attendance in the House, at least in the mornings and in the early afternoons is very important. If for nothing at all, for the optics of it,” Dafeamekpor stated.
Dafeamekpor dismissed any suggestions that the majority was struggling, calling such claims a “fabrication” and downplaying the significance of recent quorum challenges. He emphasized that efforts were underway to address both logistical and strategic issues to ensure more consistent parliamentary attendance and effective governance.
