In a strong move to restore order and credibility to Ghana’s Parliament, the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has taken decisive action following the violent altercation that erupted during the ministerial vetting process.
The Speaker announced a series of measures, including the establishment of a seven-member committee, the lodging of a formal complaint with the Ghana Police Service, and the suspension of four Members of Parliament (MPs) involved in the scuffle.
In a bid to establish the full facts surrounding the chaos, Speaker Bagbin has constituted a seven-member committee chaired by Hon. Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah.
Other members include Hon Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, Hon Gizella Akushika Tetteh- Agbotui (Mrs), Hon Abena Osei Asare (Mrs), Hon Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings (Dr), Hon Vincent Oppong Asamoah and Hon Bede Anwataazuma Ziedeng.
The committee is tasked with investigating the ministerial vetting fracas and providing recommendations within ten days.
Recognizing the serious damage done to Parliament’s integrity, Speaker Bagbin invoked the provisions of the Parliament Act and the Standing Orders of Parliament.
Citing Orders 34(2) and 36, as well as Article 123 of the 1992 Constitution, he imposed disciplinary action on those responsible for the chaos.
Consequently, the following MPs have been suspended from all sittings of Parliament for two weeks effective immediately: Hon. Rockson Nelson Etse Dafeamekpor (Majority Chief Whip), Hon. Frank Annor-Dompreh (Minority Chief Whip), Hon. Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli and Hon. Jerry Ahmed Shaib.
Speaker Bagbin further instructed leaders from the various caucuses to take consequential actions to ensure continued leadership within their ranks.
Additionally, the Marshall of Parliament has been directed to enforce the suspensions in strict adherence to parliamentary rules. Also, the Speaker directed that all MPs responsible for damaging state property during the incident be surcharged for the cost of repairs.
Emphasizing the gravity of the incident, the Speaker has ordered the Clerk to Parliament to formally lodge a complaint with the Ghana Police Service.
This will trigger a full-scale criminal investigation to ascertain the legal consequences of the MPs’ conduct and ensure that those found culpable face appropriate punitive measures.
Reconstitution of the Appointments Committee and Review of Standing Orders
In a further move to prevent future disruptions, Speaker Bagbin has called for an immediate meeting of the Committee of Selection to reconstitute the Appointments Committee as a matter of urgency.
He also ordered the establishment of a Standing Orders Committee to review and amend the rules guiding the assessment and approval of ministerial nominees, ensuring that any defects in the process are rectified. “the scene that we have all witnessed is unpalatable,” Speaker Bagbin stated, underscoring the need for rules revision to maintain decorum in the House.
The Speaker minced no words in highlighting the need to restore discipline and integrity within the legislative arm of government. “Let there be no doubt—Parliament’s credibility has been seriously undermined. Urgent punitive action has to be taken,” he asserted.
He warned that if such incidents are repeated, harsher penalties will follow, including the potential expulsion of MPs from Parliament.
“This is just the beginning. Our members must know that you can be expelled as a Member of Parliament by Parliament.” Speaker Bagbin concluded with a firm reminder to all MPs about their duty to the Ghanaian people.
“The people of Ghana deserve a Parliament that exemplifies leadership, integrity, and discipline. Members must reflect deeply on their conduct. I remind them that they hold their seats in trust for the people.”
Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin
Speaker Bagbin emphasized that the events of January 30, 2025, and their aftermath have cast a shadow over Ghana’s Parliament, stressing to restore order and uphold the dignity of the nation’s legislative process.
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