KEY POINTS
- Minority MPs boycotted the workshop, citing concerns over unnecessary expenses.
- Speaker Bagbin defended the venue, saying proper assessments were made.
- The orientation workshop will continue despite the controversy.
Parliament has kicked off a three-day orientation workshop for Members of Parliament (MPs) at the Volta Serene Hotel in Ho, despite a strong boycott by the Minority caucus over concerns about its cost.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs refused to participate, arguing that holding the event outside Accra was an unnecessary expense.
Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh criticized the decision, stating that Parliament House would have been a more cost-effective venue.
He pointed to President John Mahama’s recent austerity measures, including cutting ministerial appointments and reducing spending on Independence Day celebrations, as a reason for MPs to demonstrate fiscal discipline.
Speaker defends the choice of venue
Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin dismissed the Minority’s concerns, calling the boycott regrettable and unjustified.
He explained that a thorough assessment was conducted before selecting the Volta Serene Hotel, ensuring that it met the needs of the training program.
The orientation workshop, organized by the Parliamentary Training Institute (PTI), includes training in parliamentary procedures, lobbying, advocacy, and debating techniques to prepare MPs for their legislative duties.
According to Graphic Online, the Speaker emphasized that such training sessions are essential for improving parliamentary efficiency and decision-making.
Calls for financial discipline amid economic challenges
Government spending has become a major topic of conversation due to the workshop boycott, as Ghana experiences economic difficulties. According to critics, Members of Parliament should demonstrate cost reduction through abstaining from attending extravagant outside functions.
Despite the controversy, the workshop is proceeding as planned and is set to conclude on Monday, March 3, 2025.
Several MPs have urged both sides to establish common ground, stating that training programs should prioritize public spending needs.
Government expenditure and financial management will continue to dominate political dialogues as Ghana addresses its economic hardships.
