The Minority Caucus in Ghana’s Parliament has strongly condemned and rejected the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban S.K. Bagbin, over his decision to suspend three Members of Parliament from the Minority side, describing the move as an egregious overreach of parliamentary authority and an attack on democracy.
The three affected MPs—Hon. Frank Annoh-Dompreh (Nsawam-Adoagyiri), Hon. Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli (Gushegu), and Hon. Jerry Ahmed Shaib (Weija-Gbawe)—were suspended on Friday, January 31, 2025, following what the Speaker described as misconduct during the vetting of ministerial nominees.
However, in a strongly worded statement, the Minority Caucus labeled the action as a “blatant display of selective justice” designed to silence dissenting voices within the chamber.
The Minority Caucus argued that the chaotic scenes during the ministerial vetting were not premeditated but were rather the result of growing frustration over the Majority’s alleged disregard for due process.
The statement pointed fingers at the Chairman of the Appointments Committee, accusing him of failing to exercise impartiality, which escalated tensions.
“Parliament, by its very nature, is a forum for robust debate and passionate deliberation. The unfortunate incident that led to minor property damage was not a planned disruption but a manifestation of the growing tensions caused by the Majority and their members.”
Minority Caucus in Parliament
The Minority also took issue with the Speaker’s unilateral approach to the suspension, arguing that the affected MPs were not given the opportunity to be heard as required under Article 19(1) of the Constitution.
Additionally, they cited Standing Orders 130(a) and (b), insisting that the Speaker should have exhausted internal disciplinary mechanisms before resorting to punitive measures.
“The Speaker’s decision to unilaterally suspend these three MPs without due process in accordance with the Standing Orders and without first exhausting internal disciplinary mechanisms sets a dangerous precedent.
“It signals an era where the Speaker can arbitrarily punish Members of Parliament based on perceived disobedience rather than adherence to parliamentary rules and fairness.”
Minority Caucus in Parliament
Claims of Selective Punishment and Political Targeting
The Minority Caucus further accused Speaker Bagbin of inconsistency in applying disciplinary measures.
They pointed out past incidents of parliamentary chaos, including the controversial 2021 Speakership election, the public hearing on Supreme Court judge nominations on July 30, 2024, and the infamous brawl over the E-levy, during which they claimed an NDC MP physically assaulted a Majority member.
According to them, Speaker Bagbin adopted a reconciliatory approach in those instances but chose to impose harsh and selective punishment in this case.
“Why then does he choose, at this moment, to impose harsh and selective punishment? This inconsistency undermines his credibility as a neutral arbiter and exposes a worrying bias that must be called out.”
Minority Caucus in Parliament
Call for Reversal of the Suspension
Insisting that Parliament must remain a bastion of democracy and not an institution of oppression, the Minority Caucus called for an immediate reversal of the suspensions.
They warned that if this action is not addressed, it would embolden the Speaker to wield unchecked authority, weaponizing disciplinary measures against MPs who do not align with his preferred political narratives.
“We categorically reject the suspension of these three MPs and demand an immediate reversal of this politically charged decision, If this unjustifiable action is not addressed, it will set a precedent where the Speaker becomes an unchecked authority, weaponising disciplinary measures against those who do not align with his preferred political narratives.”
Minority Caucus in Parliament
The Minority concluded by reiterating their commitment to defending democracy, fairness, and justice in Parliament.
“Democracy thrives on fairness and justice, and we will not sit idle while our parliamentary democracy is undermined by the selective application of rules,” the statement declared.
READ ALSO: GNPC, Africa Oil Week Collaborate to Boost Oil Investments
