Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, Alban Bagbin has suspended key Members of Parliament involved in violent clashes during the Appointments Committee sitting on Thursday, January 30, 2025. The suspension, effective Friday, January 31, affects both Majority and Minority Chief Whips; Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor and Frank Annoh-Dompreh as well as Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli and Jerry Ahmed Shaib.
The MPs have been barred from participating in parliamentary sittings and activities for two (2) weeks.
Chaos at the Vetting Session
The disturbances erupted on the evening of Thursday, January 30, and continued into the morning of Friday, January 31, during the vetting of appointees. Tensions over political affiliations and appointments escalated into verbal spats, which then turned into physical confrontations.
Videos circulating on social media indicate that MPs engaged in shoving, threats, and even damage to parliamentary property.
Speaker Bagbin’s Disciplinary Actions
In response to the chaos, Speaker Bagbin on Friday, 31st January, 2025 announced a series of measures aimed at restoring order and ensuring accountability.
Check below some of the measures the Speaker outlined to deal with the matter:
- Suspension of Involved MPs: The two-week suspension is a disciplinary action against those directly involved in the altercations. The affected MPs will not participate in any parliamentary activities during this period.
- Criminal Complaint to the Police: The Clerk of Parliament has been directed to formally lodge a criminal complaint with the police, paving the way for a full investigation into the incidents. Those found culpable may face legal consequences.
- Reconstitution of the Appointments Committee: The Committee of Selection has been tasked with reconstituting the Appointments Committee to restore trust and ensure its effective operation without bias.
- Assessment of Property Damage: The Clerk of Parliament has been assigned to assess the extent of damage caused to parliamentary property. MPs found responsible for destruction will be surcharged to cover the costs of repairs or replacements.
- Seven-Member Investigative Committee: A seven-member committee, chaired by Emmanuel Bedzrah, has been established to conduct a detailed investigation into the incidents. The committee has been given a 10-day deadline to submit its findings and recommendations for further action.
Speaker Bagbin emphasized that these measures are necessary to uphold parliamentary decorum and prevent a recurrence of such disturbances in the future.
Ensuring Accountability
Explaining the relevance of of his actions, the Speaker explained, Friday 31st January, 2025 that with the criminal complaint lodged and an investigative committee in place, the parliamentary leadership is determined to hold those responsible accountable.
He said the findings of the committee will guide further actions aimed at reinforcing discipline among MPs and safeguarding the integrity of the legislative body.
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