Parliament of Ghana is set to introduce a fully automated biometric attendance system for Members of Parliament (MPs), replacing the traditional paper-based attendance register as part of efforts to improve transparency, accountability and efficiency in parliamentary proceedings.
Under the new system, lawmakers will be required to register their presence using designated biometric electronic consoles. The existing practice of circulating attendance books for MPs to sign will consequently be discontinued.
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, announced the development during his welcome address at the First Sitting of the Third Meeting of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament on Tuesday.
According to the Speaker, the introduction of biometric attendance technology will ensure accurate, dependable and verifiable records of lawmakers’ participation in parliamentary activities.
He explained that the initiative forms part of broader administrative and technological reforms being implemented by the Parliamentary Service to modernise parliamentary operations and improve the effectiveness of legislative business.
Mr Bagbin said the reforms would also promote discipline, transparency and accountability among MPs while strengthening public confidence in Parliament.
Only 258 Out of 276 MPs Complete Biometric Registration
The Speaker urged all Members of Parliament to complete their biometric enrolment to ensure the successful implementation of the new electronic attendance system.
He disclosed that only 258 out of the 276 MPs had completed the required biometric registration at the time of the announcement.
Mr Bagbin consequently directed the Whips of both parliamentary caucuses to ensure that every lawmaker was assigned a designated seat by the end of the week.
The seating arrangement, he explained, would facilitate the smooth introduction and effective operation of the biometric attendance technology within the legislative chamber.
Ghana Parliament to Introduce Electronic Voting System
In addition to the biometric attendance initiative, Parliament is preparing to introduce and pilot an electronic voting system to improve the speed and accuracy of parliamentary decision-making.
The proposed digital voting technology is expected to reduce delays during voting exercises, improve efficiency and minimise mistakes associated with manually counting votes.
Mr Bagbin described the electronic voting system as user-friendly and assured MPs with limited technological experience that adequate technical assistance would be provided.
He encouraged lawmakers to embrace the technological transformation and work closely with the Parliamentary Service to ensure a smooth transition from traditional manual procedures to a modern digital parliamentary system.
The Speaker emphasised that technology has become an essential requirement for effective legislative administration and should be embraced to strengthen institutional accountability and service delivery.
“Technology is no longer an optional convenience in the administration of a modern legislature. It is an essential instrument for improving effectiveness, strengthening accountability and enhancing the quality of parliamentary service delivery,” he stated.
Bagbin Directs Development of AI Policy for Parliamentary Business
Meanwhile, the Speaker has initiated steps towards the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in parliamentary and broader government operations.
He disclosed that he had instructed the Clerk to Parliament to engage the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, the National Communications Authority (NCA) and other technical consultants to develop a comprehensive action plan.
The proposed framework will guide the responsible use of artificial intelligence in government business and parliamentary administration.
The initiative is expected to support Ghana’s broader digital transformation agenda while exploring opportunities for technology-driven improvements in public sector operations.
The planned biometric attendance system, electronic voting technology and artificial intelligence framework represent part of Parliament’s efforts to modernise legislative processes, strengthen accountability and improve the delivery of parliamentary services.
Source: newsthemegh.com