Parliament holds MPs' orientation workshop as Minority boycotts over cost concerns
Parliament has commenced a three-day orientation workshop for Members of Parliament (MPs) at the Volta Serene Hotel in Ho, despite a boycott by the Minority caucus over cost concerns.
The event, organised by the Parliamentary Training Institute (PTI), began on Saturday, March 1, 2025 and is expected to end on Monday, March 3.
The Minority, made up of New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs, refused to attend, citing concerns over the venue and associated expenses.
The Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, questioned the decision to hold the workshop outside Accra, arguing that using Parliament House would have been more cost-effective.
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He referenced President John Mahama’s recent austerity measures, which include reducing ministerial appointments and scaling back Independence Day celebrations as reasons to prioritise fiscal discipline.
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin described the boycott as regrettable and unjustified.
Mr Bagbin defended the choice of venue, stating that a thorough assessment was carried out before selecting the Volta Serene Hotel.
The programme includes training in parliamentary procedures, lobbying, advocacy and debating techniques to equip MPs for legislative work.
