Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) caucus in Parliament, has called on Ghanaians to hold New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs accountable at the polls after they failed to attend a recalled parliamentary session on Thursday, November 7.
Speaker Alban Bagbin adjourned the House indefinitely, citing the absence of the NPP MPs, which prevented Parliament from reaching the required quorum for decision-making.
The recall session had been convened at the request of the NPP to address urgent national matters. However, the failure of their MPs to attend the session prompted strong criticism from the NDC caucus.
Speaking at a press conference following the adjournment, Dr. Ato Forson condemned the NPP MPs’ absence, stating it had caused a significant financial loss to the state, given the costs incurred to bring members together for the special sitting.
Dr. Ato Forson emphasised that the recall process involves substantial expenses, including travel and operational costs covered by the taxpayer, which he argued were wasted due to the NPP MPs’ absence.
He urged citizens to recognize this incident as indicative of poor leadership and to consider it when voting in the next election.
Highlighting the importance of accountability, Dr. Ato Forson encouraged Ghanaians to “sanction” the NPP legislators by rejecting them at the polls.
He called on voters to demand responsible leadership that respects public resources and prioritises the efficient operation of Parliament.
“I am deeply concerned and disturbed by what has happened and this is an abuse of the Standing Orders of the House. It is tantamount to causing financial loss to the state and we call on Ghanaians to punish them accordingly. They are short of ideas on solving the issues of the country and all that they know is dancing during their campaigns and sharing money.”
“Let no one deceive you that the NDC is here to distract government business because there is no business. We are fed up and we are just waiting for the elections so that Ghanaians can vote out this incompetent government,” he stated.
