The New Patriotic Party (NPP), the minority caucus in Ghana’s 9th Parliament, has boycotted a three-day orientation program organized for Members of Parliament. The program, held at the Volta Serene Hotel in Ho, aimed to equip parliamentarians with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively discharge their duties. The NPP’s boycott stems from their disagreement with the choice of venue and the perceived excessive cost associated with hosting the event at the selected location. They contend that the selection of Ho, the Volta Regional capital, is politically motivated, given the region’s historical affiliation with the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC). This perceived bias has fueled their decision to abstain from the program, further escalating political tensions between the two major parties.
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, expressed his disappointment at the NPP’s boycott, characterizing their decision as both regrettable and unjustified. He emphasized the significance of the orientation program, highlighting its crucial role in equipping parliamentarians with the requisite tools and understanding to navigate the complexities of legislative processes and effectively represent their constituents. Speaker Bagbin underscored the importance of such programs for fostering collaboration and constructive dialogue amongst parliamentarians, regardless of their political affiliations. He reiterated that the program is designed to enhance the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the parliament, ultimately benefiting the nation as a whole.
The Speaker refuted the NPP’s claims regarding the cost of the program, stating that a rigorous and transparent process was followed in selecting the Volta Serene Hotel. He explained that a dedicated search team meticulously evaluated various potential venues, considering factors such as cost-effectiveness, available facilities, accessibility, and overall suitability. Following this comprehensive assessment, the Volta Serene Hotel was deemed the most appropriate choice, meeting the necessary criteria for hosting the orientation program. Speaker Bagbin’s explanation aimed to address the NPP’s concerns and underscore the rationale behind the selection process.
Despite the NPP’s boycott, the orientation program proceeded as scheduled, commencing on Saturday, March 1, and concluding on Monday, March 3, 2025. The program covered a wide range of topics essential for effective parliamentary work, including legislative procedures, parliamentary ethics, committee work, and constituency engagement. Experienced parliamentarians, legal experts, and other relevant professionals facilitated the sessions, providing insights and guidance to the participating MPs. The program’s continuation, notwithstanding the boycott, signifies the Parliament’s commitment to equipping its members with the necessary skills and knowledge, regardless of political affiliations.
The NPP’s boycott of the orientation program underscores the persistent political tensions between the ruling NDC and the opposition party. Such disagreements and boycotts can hinder the smooth functioning of Parliament and impede efforts towards bipartisan collaboration on critical national issues. While the NPP has raised concerns about the venue selection and cost, the Speaker maintains that the decision was based on a thorough and transparent evaluation process. This incident highlights the need for ongoing dialogue and consensus-building between the two parties to ensure effective governance and address the nation’s challenges collectively.
The boycott also raises questions about the broader implications for parliamentary proceedings and the ability of the two parties to work together constructively. While the orientation program offers valuable training and insights for MPs, the absence of the minority party limits the opportunity for cross-party interaction and collaboration. This can contribute to a more polarized and less effective legislative process, potentially impacting the quality of policymaking and the overall governance of the country. Moving forward, it is crucial for both parties to engage in constructive dialogue and seek common ground to ensure the smooth functioning of Parliament and address the nation’s interests effectively.
