The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has suspended four Members of Parliament, including the two Chief Whips, following chaotic scenes at the Appointments Committee hearings on January 30 and 31.
The affected MPs are; Roxanne Nelson Dafeamekpor, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, Alassane Sulemana Tampouli, and Jerry Ahmed Shaib have been suspended from all parliamentary sittings for two weeks as part of disciplinary measures to restore order and dignity to the House.
In a strongly-worded address, the Speaker expressed shock and outrage over the disturbances, describing them as an “appalling display of chaos and lawlessness” that had brought the image of Parliament into disrepute both locally and internationally.
“It is unconscionable that members who are supposed to be leaders elected to serve as representatives of the people would engage in violent confrontations in a setting that demands the highest levels of maturity, emotional intelligence, and statesmanship,” he said.
To address the crisis, the Speaker has announced the formation of a seven-member Special Committee tasked with conducting a full-scale investigation and submitting a report within ten days. The committee members include:
• Hon. Emmanuel Bedzrah (Chairperson)
• Hon. Gisela Akushika Tetteh Agbotui
• Hon. Abena Osei Asare
• Hon. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings
• Hon. Vincent Oppong Asamoah
• Hon. Bedzrah Anwatazuma Ziedan
Additionally, the Clerk to Parliament has been directed to assess any damages caused during the altercation. MPs found responsible will bear the full cost of repairs through deductions from their salaries.
Beyond internal disciplinary action, the Speaker has ordered the Clerk to formally lodge a criminal complaint with the Ghana Police Service to investigate possible violations of the law during the fracas.
“Parliamentary privilege does not and will never extend to lawlessness,” the Speaker warned, emphasizing that members must uphold discipline and decorum at all times.
In an urgent move, the Speaker has called for an immediate reconstitution of the Appointments Committee, citing concerns over its ability to maintain order and professionalism during proceedings. He has also tasked the Standing Orders Committee with reviewing Parliament’s rules to prevent future disruptions.
The Speaker acknowledged receiving numerous complaints from concerned citizens, civil society organizations, academia, and parliamentary counterparts across the world regarding the disgraceful conduct of members.
“Ghanaians deserve a Parliament that exemplifies leadership, integrity, and discipline—not one that degenerates into a battleground at the slightest disagreement,” he stressed.
With the credibility of Parliament now at stake, the Speaker urged all members to reflect deeply on their conduct and commit to upholding the dignity of the House.
This latest suspension marks the third time in as many years that Parliament has been rocked by violent altercations, raising serious concerns about the state of Ghana’s legislative body and its ability to function effectively.
