Speaker of Parliament Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin has issued a formal and emphatic apology to Ghana’s judiciary following what he described as “discourteous” and “disrespectful” conduct exhibited by some Members of Parliament during the vetting of Chief Justice nominee Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie.
Addressing the House, the Speaker said the matter had been brought to his attention and demanded immediate redress to protect the integrity of inter-branch relations.
According to Speaker Bagbin, the conduct of certain MPs during the Appointments Committee proceedings had caused offence to members of the judiciary who were present to observe the vetting. Without naming any specific individuals, the Speaker made clear that the actions and comments of those lawmakers were unacceptable.
“My attention was drawn to a few things and I have come to deliver an apology on behalf of the Parliament of the Republic of Ghana to their Lordships and Ladyships and the members of the judiciary who were present during the proceedings”.
Speaker of Parliament Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin
He noted that the concerns related particularly to “certain comments and conduct… which may have appeared discourteous or disrespectful to the distinguished members of the judiciary in attendance.” He stressed that the offending conduct did not reflect the values or intentions of Parliament as an institution.
“Such conduct, though not representative of the collective will of Parliament, is regrettable and inconsistent with the decorum expected of members under the standing orders of the Parliament of Ghana”.
Speaker of Parliament Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin
The Speaker reminded MPs that their behaviour is governed by strict rules designed to preserve order, dignity, and civility during both plenary and committee sessions.
Speaker Bagbin referenced Order 123(3) of the Standing Orders, which cautions legislators against the use of offensive, insulting, or unbecoming language, and prohibits imputing improper motives or using words likely to cause offence.
He emphasised that these rules exist to ensure that parliamentary proceedings uphold the dignity of Parliament as a key organ of state. “The standing orders enjoin members to maintain order and decorum in the House and in committee,” he stated, noting that MPs must always be mindful of the institutional gravity of their work.
Respect for the Judiciary
Reaffirming Parliament’s respect for Ghana’s judiciary, the Speaker grounded his apology in constitutional principle, citing Article 125(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which vests judicial power in the courts and guarantees their independence.
“Honourable Members, as Speaker, I wish to reaffirm Parliament’s unwavering respect for the judiciary as a co-equal arm of government,” he declared. He added that the doctrine of separation of powers requires mutual restraint and respect among all three branches—executive, legislature, and judiciary.
The Speaker further announced that he had directed the leadership of the Appointments Committee to take serious note of the incident and ensure such lapses do not recur. In his words, future proceedings must uphold “the highest standards of civility, objectivity and institutional respect.”
The directive, he explained, aims to reinforce discipline and safeguard the reputation of Parliament, particularly at a time when public confidence in democratic institutions remains crucial.
Speaker Bagbin also underscored the longstanding tradition of cooperation between Parliament and the judiciary, describing it as essential to Ghana’s constitutional democracy.
“Parliament cherishes the long-standing spirit of cooperation and mutual regard between our institutions. We must remain committed to strengthening that relationship in the collective service of the people of Ghana.”
Speaker of Parliament Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin
Stricter Discipline to Enforce Decorum
In a marked shift from his typically measured tone, the Speaker issued a stern warning about future infractions, indicating he would enforce stricter discipline to restore decorum.
“I want to assure all of you that I will come back on this issue of decency, discipline, and decorum, and this time, I am coming with a hammer, not a gavel,” he declared, drawing attention to the seriousness with which he treats the matter.
His comments come at a moment of heightened public scrutiny of the vetting process for Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, whose nomination has generated significant debate within the legal and political community.
While the Speaker did not delve into the substance of the vetting, his apology sought to address concerns that the behaviour of some MPs may have cast Parliament in an unflattering light before one of the country’s most respected institutions.
Speaker Bagbin concluded his remarks by once again extending “our deepest apologies and assurances of Parliament’s continued respect for the judiciary and its esteemed Members.”
His intervention signals a renewed commitment to discipline within the House and to maintaining the delicate balance and mutual respect required among Ghana’s three branches of government.
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