The Member of Parliament (MP) for Kumawu, Hon. Ernest Yaw Anim, has rejected the new parliamentary attendance report ranking him among Ghana’s most absent legislators in the first session of 2025, describing the findings as inaccurate and misleading.
The report, compiled by Parliament’s Hansard Department, listed him as the third most absent MP after recording 21 missed sittings out of 43 between January and March.
Mr. Anim said the data misrepresented his record due to a name confusion involving the late Akwatia MP Hon. Ernest Yaw Kumi, who had been contesting the Akwatia seat before his passing. He further clarified that several entries recorded under his name were errors caused by this mix-up.
“I think there were situations where I had questions bothering my constituency and it had been captured in the Hansard as Ernest Yaw Kumi, there is clearly so much confusion around the two names – Ernest Yaw Anim and Ernest Yaw Kumi.
“I also recall that within the period captured for the first meeting of Parliament, I was bereaved. I lost my dad, but I can count the number of days I was absent due to the funeral activities – it wouldn’t be more than four days”
Hon. Ernest Yaw Anim, MP for Kumawu
Beyond the misrepresentation of his absence linked to the passing of his father as long-term absenteeism, Hon. Anim added that several of his missed sittings were due to official parliamentary engagements outside the country in his capacity as Chair of the Human Rights Committee.
“There have been several instances where I’ve been outside the country working for Parliament, not for myself. These are issues that publications like this must take into account. Anyone who reads the report as it stands may think I deliberately avoided sittings, which is not the case”
Hon. Ernest Yaw Anim, MP for Kumawu
He insisted that those days should not have been counted as absences since they were dedicated to parliamentary work, and called on Parliament to review its record-keeping system, stressing the need for closer coordination between MPs and the Hansard Department to ensure attendance data reflects accuracy.
According to Hon. Anim, the misrepresentation not only affects individual reputations but also undermines the credibility of parliamentary reporting.
Speaker’s Concern
The Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has meanwhile expressed growing concern over persistent absenteeism among MPs.
Addressing the House, he admitted that his earlier decision not to publish attendance data had been a “catastrophic mistake,” as it appeared to have emboldened absences rather than curbing them. “I should have brought it out and referred members to the Privileges Committee,” the Speaker said.
He has since directed parliamentary clerks to maintain strict attendance records for the current session and warned that members who fail to comply with attendance requirements risk disciplinary action, including loss of their seats under the standing orders.
“We will be taking action to compel members to sit,” he stated.
According to the absenteeism report, the Bortianor-Ngleshi Amanfro MP, Hon. Felix Akwetey Nii Okle, topped the absentee list with 23 missed sittings, followed by Hon. Joseph Frempong of Nkawkaw, who missed 22, and Hon. Anim with 21.
Other notable absentees included Hon. Col. Kwadwo Damoah (Rtd.) of Jaman South with 19 absences and Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, MP for Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam and Minister for Finance, with 17.
Additional names featured on the list were Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP for North Tongu and Minister for Foreign Affairs, with 15 absences; Hon. Blay Nyameke Armah of Sekondi with 16; and Hon. Kwaku Agyeman Kwarteng of Obuasi West with 14.
However, the Kumawu MP insisted that the publication’s methodology must be revised to differentiate between unauthorized absences and sanctioned official duties, emphasising that fair reporting is essential for maintaining public trust in the legislative process and protecting the integrity of Parliament.
The report, which aims to promote transparency in governance, has sparked renewed debate about attendance discipline in Parliament.
As Rt. Hon. Speaker Bagbin tightens oversight and MPs defend their records, the conversation highlights the balance between legislative accountability and the demands of national and international parliamentary duties.
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