The Minority in Parliament has refused to participate in an ongoing three-day orientation program for MPs at the Volta Serene Hotel in Ho.
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, stated that the Minority withdrew from the training after protesting its cost through a formal notice.
The exact cost of the program was not immediately disclosed.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, he said, “Their reason is that the cost component is too much, and they don’t want to be part of that.”
He described the Minority’s decision as unfortunate for the progress of the House and Ghana’s democracy, emphasizing the importance of the orientation in preparing MPs, especially new members, for the next four years.
Speaker Bagbin explained that the venue and other arrangements were chosen based on recommendations from a search committee after a thorough evaluation of various factors.
“There is a good reason why we choose venues for this, it’s not partisan -there is always a search party and they go around, discuss with the various hospitalities, look at the cost components, their facilities, their suitability, and the convenience of your movement because there are other pressures on you and there are score marks before we decide where to go”, he said.
According to the speaker of parliament, the Volta Serene Hotel was chosen because it met all the necessary criteria for hosting such a crucial event aimed at safeguarding and strengthening the country’s democracy.
The three-day orientation program is designed to provide MPs with a comprehensive understanding of their roles and responsibilities, equipping them to serve effectively.
Participants will receive training in parliamentary procedures, lobbying, advocacy, and debating skills, among other key areas.
