Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has made it clear that the minority caucus’s decision to boycott parliamentary business without providing official communication is a violation of the Standing Orders of the house.

According to the Standing Orders of Parliament, an MP must vacate their seat if they are absent for 15 sittings without permission from the Speaker and fail to provide a reasonable explanation.

The minority caucus has been absent from the house on two occasions to show support for their colleague, James Gyakye Quayson, who is currently facing a criminal trial at an Accra High Court.

They have stated that they will continue to boycott parliamentary proceedings whenever a court case involves one of their members.

In response to concerns raised by other Members of Parliament regarding the absence of the minority caucus in the votes and proceedings of Parliament, the Speaker ruled that their action is not justified.

The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Dan Botwe, also voiced his opinion, stating that all MPs present in the House signed their names against their respective constituencies, implying that the minority MPs who were absent do not have a valid reason for their absence.