Parliamentarians are the latest victims of an acute fuel shortage that has hit many cities across the country including Accra.

The 275-member legislative chamber was a pale shadow of itself after barely 60 MPs showed up for business Thursday.

Minority spokesperson on Finance, Dr. Anthony Akoto Osei chalked off the low attendance to the frantic search for fuel. Minority Leader Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu corroborated the explanation with a personal story of his search for fuel.

Taxis, motorbikes and gallons have been lined up at filling stations this week since the Chamber of Bulk Oil Distribution Companies warned of a looming fuel crisis if government did not pay them over 1 billion Ghana cedis in arrears. Government has disputed the amount and insisted the debt was GH₵304 million.

The President, John Mahama, has directed the Finance Minister, Seth Terkper to release $60 million to the Distribution Companies.

Reporting from Parliament, Joy News correspondent Elton John Brobbey, said despite the low turn-out, parliament carried on with the business of the day.

The Minister for Roads and Transport, Alhaji Amidu Sulemani was in the House to answer questions about  the construction of some roads. A loan agreement for the building of Senior High Schools was also tabled.

The quorum for Parliament is pegged at 95 MPs. If the number is less, an MP would have to raise the concern and if the number does not improve in some ten minutes, the sitting is adjourned.

No MP raised any issue about a quorum.