Parliament to fully implement biometric attendance system for MPs

Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has announced plans to fully operationalise a biometric attendance system to improve the tracking and verification of Members of Parliament’s (MPs) participation in parliamentary sittings.

The initiative forms part of a broader modernisation programme by the Parliamentary Service aimed at upgrading its administrative and technological systems to promote efficiency, transparency and accountability in the work of the House.

Under the new arrangement, MPs will be required to register their attendance using designated biometric consoles, replacing the traditional system of signing an attendance register.

Mr Bagbin said the technology would ensure that accurate, reliable and verifiable records were kept of MPs who attend parliamentary proceedings.

Addressing the House on November 3, he said the introduction of the system was necessary to align Parliament with technological advancements and meet increasing expectations for efficiency in the conduct of public business.

“Our Parliament must keep pace with the rapid advancement of technology and the growing demand for efficiency, transparency and accountability in the conduct of political business. During this meeting, the Parliamentary Service will roll out a number of administrative and technological upgrades to improve the efficiency, accuracy and effectiveness of our proceedings.

“First, we intend to fully implement the biometric attendance system to ensure accurate, reliable and verifiable records of members’ attendance at sittings of the House.

“Under this arrangement, members will be required to register their attendance through the designated biometric console. Consequently, the traditional attendance register will no longer be circulated for signature.”