A three-day orientation workshop for Members of Parliament (MPs) kicked off at the Volta Serene Hotel in Ho, but the event has been overshadowed by a boycott from the Minority caucus. Apexnewsgh reports
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs refused to participate, citing that hosting the workshop outside Accra was an unnecessary expense.
Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh questioned the financial prudence of the decision, especially in light of President John Mahama’s recent austerity measures. These measures include cutting government spending and reducing the scale of Independence Day celebrations.
However, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin defended the choice of venue, stating that proper assessments were conducted before the selection was made. He described the boycott as regrettable, emphasizing that the workshop is crucial for equipping MPs with essential skills in parliamentary procedures, lobbying, advocacy, and debating.
Despite the controversy, the programme, organized by the Parliamentary Training Institute (PTI), is set to continue until Monday, March 3, 2025. The workshop aims to familiarize MPs with parliamentary traditions, culture, and legislative affairs.
The boycott has sparked concerns about the impact on the MPs’ ability to effectively perform their duties. As the Deputy Majority Leader and MP for Effutu, Hon Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, noted, “The only weapon for an MP is the rules book (Standing Orders)”.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
