Alban Bagbin introduces biometric system to track attendance of MPs

Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has announced the introduction of a biometric attendance system and electronic voting for Members of Parliament (MPs). Speaking at the commencement of the Third Meeting of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament, Bagbin revealed that these digital measures are designed to replace the traditional paper-based attendance registers. The move is intended to ensure that there are verifiable and accurate records of lawmakers' presence during parliamentary proceedings, addressing long-standing concerns regarding attendance tracking.

Beyond attendance, the Speaker highlighted the transition to electronic voting as a key step toward modernizing the legislature's decision-making processes. This shift aims to make parliamentary votes more transparent and accessible to the public, thereby fostering greater confidence in the institution. Bagbin noted that these initiatives are part of a wider strategy to update Parliament’s operational framework and align it with international best practices for legislative accountability.

In his address to the house, Bagbin also touched on significant legislative reforms, including the development of a new Budget Bill. This bill is intended to strengthen Parliament's constitutional mandate regarding the oversight of government expenditure. By enhancing financial scrutiny, the legislature aims to ensure that public funds are managed more effectively and in strict accordance with national priorities.

The Speaker concluded by urging MPs to prioritize bipartisan cooperation, particularly regarding proposed amendments to the 1992 Constitution. He emphasized that the constitution should remain a unifying document for the people of Ghana rather than a focal point for partisan disputes. Bagbin called for meaningful reform driven by the national interest, reminding the chamber that their primary responsibility is to serve the citizenry through transparent and effective governance.