Parliament turns ‘Ghost Town’ on Republic day

Ghana’s Parliament transformed into a “ghost town” today, July 1, with a paltry attendance of only 29 MPs as the maiden National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving seemingly overshadowed legislative duties.

The exceptionally low turnout suggests that many lawmakers prioritized the nationwide spiritual observance over the scheduled parliamentary session.
JoyNews’ Parliamentary Correspondent Kwaku Asante reported the meagre number of lawmakers at the beginning of Tuesday’s parliamentary session.

The National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, instituted by President John Dramani Mahama and coinciding with Republic Day, was widely observed across the country with national, regional, and district-level events.

President Mahama himself delivered a significant address at the main event in Accra, calling on Ghanaians to hold leaders, including himself, to the highest standards of integrity.

While the exact reasons for the mass absenteeism of MPs were not immediately stated, it is evident that the gravity and significance of the new national prayer day, coupled with its widespread organization across all 16 regions and 261 districts, took precedence for many elected officials.

Parliament was scheduled to be in session today as part of its Second Meeting of the First Session, which commenced on May 27, 2025.

However, with just 29 out of 275 MPs present, legislative business would have been severely hampered, if not brought to a standstill.

The low attendance is a stark illustration of how national events can impact parliamentary proceedings, especially on a day that has been officially designated for spiritual reflection and unity.

The National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, themed “Reflect, Reset, and Renew for National Prosperity,” aimed to foster spiritual renewal and national unity, with both Christian and Islamic services held at prominent venues in Accra and across the nation.

The planning committee had urged citizens to set aside political affiliations and participate in collective prayer for Ghana’s progress.

The overwhelming participation in the national prayer initiative appears to have drawn MPs away from their legislative responsibilities, creating an unusually quiet day within the usually bustling corridors of Parliament House.

The incident raises questions about the coordination between national holidays/observances and parliamentary calendars, particularly for significant new national events.