Minority in Parliament has opted out of a three-day orientation program for lawmakers, currently underway at the Volta Serene Hotel in Ho.

Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin revealed that the Minority officially objected to the cost of the event, prompting their withdrawal. However, the specific financial details were not disclosed.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Speaker Bagbin stated, “They consider the cost too high and have chosen not to participate.” He described their absence as a setback for parliamentary development and Ghana’s democracy, emphasizing the significance of the orientation, particularly for newly elected MPs preparing for the next four years.

He further explained that the venue selection was based on a structured evaluation process. A designated team assessed multiple locations, considering cost, facilities, and logistical convenience before settling on Volta Serene Hotel as the most suitable option.

“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.

The orientation aims to equip MPs with essential parliamentary knowledge, including procedures, lobbying techniques, advocacy, and debating skills, to enhance their effectiveness in the House.