Minority criticizes NDC ‘super majority’ for poor turnout in Parliament

The Minority in Parliament has raised serious concerns about the repeated absence of Members of Parliament from the Majority side, warning that their no-shows are undermining government business and stalling President John Mahama’s legislative agenda.

Their frustration came to light again on Thursday, October 30, 2025, when proceedings were briefly interrupted over a lack of quorum.

First Deputy Minority Whip, Habib Iddrisu, drew the Speaker’s attention to Article 102 of the Constitution, which requires that at least one-third of all MPs must be present before Parliament can conduct official business. With only about 70 members present out of 276, the Tolon MP urged the Speaker to apply the rules strictly.

“Mr Speaker, you cautioned us yesterday that if we are not serious about continuing business, we should not let Ghanaians think the same,” he said, insisting that the Majority’s continued absenteeism was setting a bad example.

The Minority described the situation as an irony, noting that the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) holds 189 seats, more than enough to form a quorum, take decisions, and pass key government bills, yet struggles to fill the chamber.

Damango MP Samuel Abu Jinapor echoed the concern, describing the NDC’s large numbers as a “lame super majority.” He said the Majority side’s poor attendance was delaying critical items on the Order Paper, including discussions on the national Scholarship Scheme for students.

“They say they are the super majority and we are a micro minority, yet they cannot carry government business through,” Mr Jinapor said. “Ghanaians gave them this overwhelming mandate so that President Mahama’s agenda could move smoothly, but that is not happening.”

Responding to the claims, the Majority Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, dismissed the Minority’s statements as propaganda. He explained that the Standing Orders of Parliament allow the Speaker to verify quorum concerns before suspending proceedings.

He argued that the absence of some members was largely due to ongoing committee meetings, which sometimes extended into the afternoon instead of ending by midday. “We are depleted because of committee sittings,” he said, urging committee chairpersons to adhere to the agreed schedule.

Following the exchanges, the Speaker instructed the Clerk to ring the bell for 10 minutes and conduct a headcount. The final count showed 103 MPs present, just enough to allow Parliament to continue with its business.