Jinapor Slams ‘Absentee Majority’, Accuses NDC MPs of Neglecting Parliamentary Duties
Former Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Damongo, Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor, has criticised the Majority Caucus in Parliament, accusing them of persistent absenteeism and failing to honour their legislative responsibilities.
Addressing journalists after proceedings on Thursday, Hon. Jinapor expressed frustration over yet another disruption to parliamentary business due to lack of quorum.
According to him, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Majority—holding what he described as a “super majority”, has no justification for repeatedly failing to appear in the House in adequate numbers.
“For the first time in the Fourth Republic, the Ghanaian people elected a super majority. The NDC group constitutes 189 out of 276 Members. One would expect that even if 99 of them stayed at home, they would still have enough to form a quorum,” he said.
Thursday’s sitting began with only 81 MPs present, prompting the Minority to raise the issue of quorum. After the Speaker ordered the bell to be rung for ten minutes, a recount showed 105 members in attendance—barely enough for business to continue.
Hon. Jinapor said the situation has become habitual, accusing the Majority of treating parliamentary duties lightly.
“This Majority has become an absentee majority. It is embarrassing, it is unfortunate, and it is a dereliction of duty. They are taking the Ghanaian people for granted,” he stated.
He added that despite having fewer numbers, the Minority Caucus has consistently shown up to support government business.
“We are always here, ready to support the government’s agenda. But how can we move the President’s policies forward when the Majority is perpetually absent?” he questioned.
The Damongo MP warned that the absenteeism is delaying critical bills and policy documents, thereby slowing governance and development.
“Even if all 60 ministers are MPs but are absent, they still have enough numbers to form a quorum. What is happening now is totally embarrassing,” he stressed.
Hon. Jinapor recalled that in the previous Parliament, where both sides held 137 seats each, MPs regularly attended proceedings. “Now that the NDC has the power, they are taking Ghanaians for granted,” he added.
The issue of absenteeism has drawn frequent criticism from Speaker Alban Bagbin and civil society organisations, with calls for reforms to ensure accountability and attendance.
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