'If you're busy, don't go to Parliament' — Brako-Powers condemns absenteeism

Legal and Policy Analyst Austin Kwabena Brako-Powers has criticised what he describes as a growing culture of absenteeism among Members of Parliament (MPs).

He argues that frequent absence from parliamentary sittings undermines the core duty of lawmakers, which is to scrutinise bills and represent constituents effectively.

Speaking in an interview on Accra-based Joy Prime TV on Thursday, May 21, he said the trend has led to lapses in due diligence in law-making.

“The absenteeism is becoming one too many. Why were you elected to represent your constituents? You were elected to be in parliament,” he stated.

He further questioned the commitment of some legislators to their parliamentary duties, noting that competing engagements should not override their core responsibilities.

“If you know you're already in a particular activity, an engaging activity, don't go to parliament. Parliament is to make sure that you scrutinize bills,” he stated.

Brako-Powers also raised concerns about the quality of legislative output, pointing to errors in bills and laws as evidence of inadequate scrutiny.

He stressed that Parliament, as one of the key arms of government, must uphold high standards of precision, accountability and diligence in law-making.

According to him, failure to do so weakens public trust and affects the overall effectiveness of governance structures.

Meanwhile, Parliament resumes sitting today, Thursday, May 21, for the Second Meeting of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament of the Fourth Republic.

The lawmakers are expected to consider several major bills and policy reforms across critical sectors of the economy.

The meeting is expected to focus on legislative proposals relating to transport, energy, justice, security, mining and governance reforms.