Renowned broadcast journalist and development advocate, Bernard Koku Avle, has weighed in on the recent ministerial vetting brawl, commending the Speaker of Parliament for swiftly sanctioning MPs involved in the altercation.
Speaking on the issue, Bernard Avle argued that the Speaker’s intervention was not just about legality but about preserving the dignity of Parliament and ensuring common sense prevails in governance.
“The MPs themselves should be grateful for having a Speaker who is concerned about their reputation to the extent of offering immediate punishment to those who do not conduct themselves appropriately. So that is why I think Afenyo-Markin is saying they want to engage.
“Because you may have a legal point to go to court but if you see that what the man is doing is repairing your image for everybody else, you prefer to engage than to go to court.”
Bernard Koku Avle, Renowned Broadcast Journalist
Bernard Avle further stated that while legal avenues exist to challenge decisions, dialogue and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms should be prioritized to avoid unnecessarily prolonged litigations.
Avle took a critical stance on what he described as Ghana’s over-reliance on legalism at the expense of common sense and good governance.
He acknowledged that while the Speaker’s decision might not have an explicit legal foundation, the actions of the MPs in the video clearly justified his intervention.
“We are very legalistic because, and so everything someone wants to go to court. The Speaker may not necessarily be explicitly backed by the law, but sometimes common sense tells us that…, but what the MPs did, if you watch the video, isn’t it inappropriate?”
Bernard Koku Avle, Renowned Broadcast Journalist
He dismissed concerns that the Speaker’s actions might set a precedent for future abuse, arguing that each generation will interpret governance issues within their own context.
“Why do you want to think for future generations? They also have sense. They can also interpret, which is why the judiciary can say, ‘This precedent you have quoted, is it contextual?’
“A lot of times, we sit here thinking that the whole world revolves around what we do now. But I’m saying that you and I know that what the Speaker did, common sense says it is right and that’s the way to go.”
Bernard Koku Avle, Renowned Broadcast Journalist
Applauding the Speaker’s Swift Action
Moreover, Bernard Avle reiterated that many Ghanaians were disgusted by the MPs’ behaviour during the vetting session, and the Speaker’s decisive action was necessary to restore decorum in Parliament.
“We are all saying that what the MPs did was disgraceful and subsequently applauded the Speaker for his swift actions, saying it was good. Let’s wait and see the outcome of the committee that the Speaker set up. We shouldn’t use the law to obstruct common sense or good sense.”
Bernard Koku Avle, Renowned Broadcast Journalist
As part of his argument against excessive legal battles, Bernard Avle cited a biblical principle encouraging amicable settlement of disputes outside the courtroom.
He observed that prolonged court cases do not always guarantee justice, advocating for mediation as a viable alternative.
“Again, I am not a lawyer, but I’m free to say this, and I know most lawyers may disagree with me. Everything in this country has been subjected to legal banter, which is good for nation-building. But you can go to court for ten years and still not get justice.
“However, you can sit down with your opponent and find solutions to your problems. The Bible even says, ‘Sit with your opponent and agree on terms. Otherwise, he will take you to court, and it will be worse.’ Courts and laws don’t necessarily solve problems; they can actually worsen problems.”
Bernard Koku Avle, Renowned Broadcast Journalist
Bernard Avle concluded his remarks by urging all stakeholders to allow the Speaker’s disciplinary committee to do its work and avoid unnecessary litigations that could derail Parliamentary processes.
He emphasized that even a 13-year-old child watching the video of the scuffle would recognize the MPs’ actions as inappropriate.
“Show this video to your 13-year-old child. They will ask, ‘Daddy, this doesn’t make sense. Why are they doing this?’ So the Speaker has punished them. Let’s allow common sense to prevail. Let’s work behind this, let the committee do their work, and let us move on.”
Bernard Koku Avle, Renowned Broadcast Journalist
Bernard Avle’s comments add to the ongoing debate about the role of the Speaker in ensuring order in Parliament and the balance between legal frameworks and practical governance.
His emphasis on common sense and dispute resolution offers an alternative approach to handling political conflicts, one that prioritizes dialogue over drawn-out legal battles.
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