The Minority in Parliament has refused to attend a 3-day orientation programme for Members of the House ongoing at the Volta Serene Hotel in Ho.

According to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, the Minority, through a notice, protested the cost of the event hence their withdrawal.

The cost of the programme was not immediately known.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the event, he said “their reason is that the cost component is too much, and they don’t want to be part of that.”

He found the decision unfortunate to the progress of the House, and Ghana’s democracy given the importance of the orientation which would prepare members, especially new entrants for the task ahead for the next four years.

Speaker Bagbin explained that the venue among other arrangements, was decided on and recommended by a search party following a comprehensive evaluation of several factors.

“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.

He concluded that Volta Serene Hotel was selected after it met all the ideals needed to host such an important event which is geared towards protecting and developing the country’s democracy.

The 3-day orientation programme would provide the members of parliament with in-depth insights into their duties and responsibilities and equip them to be effective and successful members.

They will be provided training in parliamentary practices, lobbying, advocacy skills, and debating skills among others.