The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has directed the Clerk of Parliament to formally lodge a complaint with the Ghana Police Service for a full criminal investigation into the chaotic events that transpired during the Appointments Committee hearing on January 30 and the morning of January 31.
Addressing the House today, the Speaker expressed deep disappointment and outrage over what he described as a “disgraceful and deeply regrettable” display of lawlessness by members of Parliament. He condemned the actions of those involved, stating that they had brought Parliament into disrepute and severely eroded public trust in the institution.
“The Parliament of Ghana is expected to stand as the foremost institution of democracy, entrusted with the solemn duty of upholding the principles of good governance, integrity, and selfless public service. Yet, the events that transpired during the Appointments Committee hearing have gravely undermined these ideals,” the Speaker said.
In response to the incident, he announced several emergency measures:
- Formation of a Special Committee – A seven-member Special Committee, chaired by Hon. Emmanuel Bejira, has been constituted under Orders 5 and 20, Rule 4, to conduct a full-scale investigation into the events. The committee, which includes Hon. Gisela Akushika Tete Agbutui, Hon. Abina Osei Asare, Hon. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Hon. Vincent Opong Asamoah, and Hon. Bid Anwatazuma Ziedian, is required to submit its report with recommendations within ten days.
- Assessment of Damages – The Clerk of Parliament has been directed to conduct a full assessment of all damage caused during the incident. Members found responsible will be surcharged for repairs and replacements, with deductions made from their salaries if necessary.
- Formal Complaint to Ghana Police – In line with the provisions of the 1992 Constitution and the Standing Orders of Parliament, the Clerk has been instructed to file a complaint with the Ghana Police Service for a full criminal investigation into the disorder.
- Reconstitution of the Appointments Committee – The Speaker has called for an urgent meeting of the Committee of Selection to reconstitute the Appointments Committee, ensuring a smooth continuation of parliamentary business.
- Review of Parliamentary Rules – The Standing Orders Committee will be tasked with revising the rules governing the conduct of committee hearings to prevent future occurrences of such disorderly behavior.
Additionally, the Speaker announced the immediate suspension of four MPs for their roles in the altercations. They include; Hon. Roxanne Nelson Etsey Kwame Dafeamekpo, (Chief Whip) Hon. Frank Annoh-Dompreh, (Chief Whip), Hon. Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli, Hon. Jerry Ahmed Shaib
These members will be barred from participating in parliamentary proceedings for two weeks. The Speaker directed the Parliamentary Marshal to enforce the suspensions, emphasizing that Parliament will not tolerate lawlessness within its chambers.
“This House must acknowledge that it is rapidly eroding public confidence in Ghana’s democracy. If members cannot engage in robust debate without resorting to physical aggression, then they are unfit to discharge the mandate bestowed upon them by the people of Ghana,” the Speaker remarked.
The Speaker further warned that Parliament’s credibility has been “seriously undermined” and that decisive punitive action must be taken to restore public confidence. He called on MPs to reflect deeply on their conduct and uphold the values of leadership, integrity, and discipline expected of them.
