Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, has criticized the Majority Caucus for their consistent absence from parliamentary sessions since the House reconvened from recess on Tuesday, June 11.
Mr Murtala expressed disappointment that some members of the Majority have prioritized campaign tours with the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, over their legislative duties.
Speaking passionately on the floor of parliament on Thursday, June 13, Mohammed lamented the lack of seriousness displayed by his colleagues on the Majority side.
He called upon the leadership of the Majority to address what he described as the “unseriousness” of their members and urged them to prioritize their parliamentary responsibilities.
Specifically targeting Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Murtala Mohammed criticized him for failing to ensure adequate attendance of his caucus members in parliament.
He argued that it is the duty of the Majority Leader to ensure that members are present to conduct the business of parliament effectively on behalf of their constituents.
The MP for Tamale Central highlighted the importance of parliamentary attendance in deliberating and passing crucial legislation that affects the lives of Ghanaian citizens. He emphasized that absenteeism undermines the functioning of parliament and diminishes its ability to fulfill its constitutional mandate.
“My point has to do with the unseriousness of the team that he [Alexander Afenyo-Markin] leads. They are only seven. [Wednesday, June 12], they were just five. Now, you think that it is important for us to do business without members of the Majority?
“I came to Parliament by eight o’clock and registered. Your members are still not here. They are following your presidential candidate dancing Azonto and saying, give me the steer. If you want us to take you seriously, then have control over the people that you lead,” he said.
The criticism comes amidst concerns about the dwindling numbers in parliament during crucial legislative sessions, raising questions about the commitment of lawmakers to their parliamentary duties.