In a sharp criticism, the Leader of the National Democratic Congress Caucus in Parliament, Hon. Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the absence of New Patriotic Party (NPP) members after the Speaker adjourned Parliament indefinitely.
Dr Forson condemned what he described as the ruling party’s apparent indifference to parliamentary duties, arguing that the NPP lawmakers’ absence, particularly after calling for the parliamentary recall, reflected an abuse of the constitution and parliamentary rules.
“We noticed that they failed to show up. This morning, at about 7 o’clock, we showed up at the business committee meeting on the 6th floor only to notice that the NPP members of the committee once again failed to show up at the business committee.
“I personally called the committee clerk, and I was informed that she’s out of the jurisdiction and no one has reached out to her, to program the business of the day. I was worried and reached out also to the MPP side to indicate what their plan was. No one responded. I am deeply worried and deeply concerned that the very people who requested for parliament to be recalled failed to show up”.
Hon. Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Leader of the NDC Caucus in Parliament
Financial Burden over Recall of Parliament
The NDC Member of Parliament for Ajumako Enyan Essiam Constituency, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson also pointed out the financial burden associated with the parliamentary recall, implying that it was unnecessary without NPP involvement.
“The absence of the NPP minority caucus has indeed led to financial losses for the state, for us, the NDC members of parliament, and for the people of Ghana,” Dr Forson stated, describing the situation as wasteful and inconsiderate.
He urged Ghanaians to remember this when voting, implying that the NPP’s conduct demonstrated a lack of commitment to addressing the country’s challenges.
Dr. Forson’s remarks went beyond this specific absence, accusing the ruling party of repeated disengagement from parliamentary duties.
“This is not the first time; they’ve done this before, showing nothing but disrespect,” he said, arguing that this behaviour indicated fatigue within the NPP that hindered their ability to serve effectively.
Labelling the NPP’s behaviour as disconnected and performative, Dr. Forson accused them of prioritizing election campaigns over substantial parliamentary work.
“They are doing campaigns, despite the hardships, all they do is sing and dance,” Dr Forson remarked, contrasting this behaviour with the everyday struggles faced by Ghanaians.
He encouraged voters to “reject them and remove them from office,” presenting the NPP’s actions as signs of incompetence and poor leadership
Assurance to the Public
Dr Ato Forson also reassured the public of the NDC’s dedication to fulfilling its parliamentary duties, refuting claims that the opposition was obstructing legislative work.
“We come prepared in full to carry out our responsibilities, only to discover that the very party who called us for government business… has no business,” he noted, emphasizing the NDC’s commitment to responsible governance.
Appealing directly to voters, Dr Forson urged Ghanaians to hold the ruling party accountable by voting them out in the upcoming elections.
“There is no pressing government business… they have given up,” he concluded, calling for public accountability over what he characterized as a failure of the ruling government to address the urgent needs of the country.
