In a recent turn of events, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) grassroots have voiced their disappointment over the absence of five of their Members of Parliament (MPs) during an emergency recall of the 8th Parliament. This absence, they claim, led to the approval of a significant International Development Association (IDA) loan and the approval of ministers by the ruling New Patriotic Party(NPP),,
Among the absent MPs are Teddy Safori Addi, member of parliament for the Ayensuano Constituency ,Augustine Tawiah, , MP for Bia West Constituency, Helen Adjoa Ntoso, ,MP for Krachi West constituency Betty Nana Efua Krosbi, MP for Kwahu Afram Plains North and Peter Yaw Kwakye Acker, , MP for Amenfi Central constituency. Their failure to attend such a crucial parliamentary session has sparked concerns among their constituents and party members alike.
Speaking anonymously to TheoverseerOnline.com, grassroots leaders expressed their dismay at the absenteeism of these MPs. One branch chairman from the Ayensuano Constituency lamented, “As for our MP, Teddy, this is not the first time we are hearing of his absence in parliament during a crucial time. Do you need to absent yourself when Parliament needs you the most?” he asked.
Similarly, a branch youth organizer from Amenfi Central voiced frustration, stating, “Ever since he lost the primaries, Kwakye Acker has been misbehaving. We just came back from Court, and I suspect he was behind those who took Amenfi Central NDC to Court. You don’t treat a party that you have benefited immensely from in this manner.”
These sentiments were echoed by a branch woman organizer from Bia West, who expressed disappointment in their MP’s behavior both before and after losing the primaries. “This is an MP who almost lost his life during the Covid-19 era because he had Covid. Even before then, he had lost touch with the grassroots. Now he is sabotaging the party in Parliament,” she remarked.
Meanwhile, credible information from Speaker of Parliament indicates that notifications of the emergency recall were sent to all 274 MPs a week in advance. Despite this, the minority reportedly walked out of Parliament due to a lack of numbers.
The reactions from grassroots members highlight the importance of accountability and dedication from elected representatives. As the NDC navigates through challenging political landscapes, it is imperative for MPs to prioritize the interests of the party first before another thing.
As the party reflects on this incident, it serves as a reminder of the integral role MPs play in representing the voices of the people and upholding the values of the party they serve.
Theoverseeronline.com tried many times to reach some of these MPs but could not succeed.
Overseeronline.com also gathered that apart from Betty Krobby Mensah, the other 4 MPs were in the country