By VALENTIA TETTEH
At the start of parliamentary business, it is not unusual to see large portions of Ghana’s 276-seat chamber visibly empty. Sometimes only 35, 44, or 60 Members of Parliament are present when the Speaker gavels the House into session. This sight often ignites public criticism, raising questions about whether MPs are neglecting their duty to represent their constituents.
But what exactly is happening beyond the chamber walls? Are MPs truly abandoning their responsibilities, or are they engaged in other equally crucial parliamentary processes?
The answer, as GBC News Online has found, is far more layered and goes beyond the optics of attendance in the chamber.
On the surface, the chamber is the most visible part of Ghana’s parliamentary system. It is where debates are televised, motions are argued, and votes are cast. However, what the public rarely sees is the extensive committee work that forms the backbone of Parliament and operates simultaneously alongside plenary sittings.
In fact, on many occasions when the chamber appears “empty,” MPs are deeply engaged in committee meetings, oversight visits, or document reviews critical to national development.
THE INVISIBLE BUT CRUCIAL WORK OF PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEES
1. Appointments Committee
One of the most demanding committees is the Appointments Committee, chaired by the First Deputy Speaker with the Minority Leader as Ranking Member. Its mandate includes vetting presidential nominees for positions like Chief Justice, Supreme Court Justices, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and the Special Prosecutor. It brings in subject-matter experts from other committees during specialized vetting and submits reports within three days, guiding the House to approve or reject nominees.
This work often runs throughout the day, sometimes past sitting hours, and it is all in the interest of ensuring capable leadership in national offices.
2. Committee on Assurances
This committee monitors promises, undertakings, and commitments made by Ministers and other state officials before Parliament. Its role ensures accountability by verifying whether assurances given to the House are being carried out across the country.
3. Backbenchers’ Business Committee
This committee creates space for MPs who are not part of leadership to contribute meaningfully to lawmaking by determining the business for backbenchers, scheduling their debates, and ensuring minority and majority backbenchers are heard. A vibrant Parliament is one that reflects all voices, and this committee ensures exactly that.
4. Budget Committee
In collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, this committee scrutinizes budget estimates, appropriation bills, tax waivers, Medium-Term Expenditure Frameworks, and the economic impacts of fiscal policies. It ensures the nation’s finances align with constitutional expectations and economic realities.
5. Business Committee
Chaired by the Leader of Government Business, with the Leader of the Opposition as Ranking Member, this committee decides the agenda for each parliamentary week, including time allocation for debates and ministerial question schedules.
While the Speaker makes the final call on what enters the House, the Business Committee structures parliamentary work to flow efficiently.
6. Public Accounts Committee (PAC)
One of the most visible committees, PAC examines the Auditor-General’s reports on ministries, agencies, public institutions, and statutory bodies. It may form subcommittees on education, statutory funds, performance audits, foreign exchange, and more. PAC’s work strengthens financial accountability across public institutions.
7. Committee on Parliamentary Affairs
This committee oversees Parliament’s internal operations, budget estimates, matters relating to the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, legislative proposals, and administrative concerns within Parliament. It ensures Parliament itself is functioning efficiently.
8. Office of Profit Committee
This committee determines whether MPs, Ministers, and Deputy Ministers can hold another office of profit without conflict of interest. It protects the integrity of the House and prevents abuse of public office.
9. Committee on Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration
This committee monitors Ghana’s foreign policy engagements, regional integration initiatives, and international agreements. It conducts investigations, inquiries, and oversight of related ministries and agencies.
10. Committee on Ethics and Standards
Chaired by the Second Deputy Speaker, this committee enforces the Code of Conduct for MPs, ethical behavior, attendance of members, and investigations into violations. It plays a major role in upholding the moral standards of the legislature.
11. Defence and Interior Committee
This committee investigates national security issues, internal affairs, and defence sector operations. Its oversight powers strengthen the safety and security frameworks of Ghana.
12. Committee of Selection
Chaired by the Speaker, this committee determines which MP serves on which committee, a foundational step for effective parliamentary functioning.
Committee work does not end within Parliament’s premises. Members routinely visit institutions under their oversight, inspect government projects, and meet agencies across the country. These visits help MPs understand real issues on the ground so they can legislate effectively.
Some parliamentary sittings also extend late into the night—sometimes as late as 12 a.m.—especially during budget periods, when amending bills or addressing national emergencies. These long hours take a toll on MPs’ health and personal time, yet they continue in service of the nation.
SO WHY IS THE CHAMBER SOMETIMES EMPTY?
This is because parliamentary work happens everywhere, not just in the chamber.
MPs may be in committee rooms, attending emergency briefings, participating in vetting processes, on oversight field visits, reviewing documents, engaging stakeholders, or preparing reports for presentation.
This does not mean they have abandoned the concerns of their constituents.
So the next time you tune in and see few members in the chamber, remember this:
Your MP is not absent. Your MP is working. Perhaps not on the chamber floor, but somewhere else performing the duties that keep Ghana’s democracy functioning.
Parliament’s strength is not measured only by the number of MPs seated in the chamber at any given moment, but by the countless hours of unseen work carried out across committees, offices, and field assignments.
Your legislators are at post—often working beyond sight, but always working in the interest of the Ghanaian people
