Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has lifted the suspension order against four Members of Parliament (MPs) following pleas from both the Majority and Minority Leaders. The decision, which takes immediate effect, comes amid ongoing tensions within the Appointments Committee.
The suspended MPs: Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli (Gushegu), Jerry Ahmed Shaib (Weija-Gbawe), Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor (South Dayi), and Frank Annoh-Dompreh (Nsawam-Adoagyiri), were initially sanctioned for alleged disorderly conduct that amounted to contempt of Parliament.
However, after deliberations on Tuesday, February 4, Speaker Bagbin reconsidered his position while stressing that investigations into the matter would still proceed.
The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, passionately appealed to the Speaker, urging him to lift the suspension in the interest of parliamentary unity. His call was echoed by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, who emphasized the importance of ensuring the minority’s participation in the vetting process for ministerial nominees.
Addressing the House, Speaker Bagbin explained his decision, likening his role to that of a father who must discipline his children without causing irreparable harm.
“Yes, as a father, when your son commits an offense, you don’t punish the son to the extent that you break his or her leg. That becomes a big problem for you, the father. And nobody is perfect. We are all fallible. So I listened to the apology, and here it was repeated by the Minority Leader for and on behalf of the members of the caucus and supported by the Majority Leader,” he stated.
The Speaker further noted that beyond words, the MPs had demonstrated their commitment to supporting parliamentary processes and maintaining order in the House. Satisfied with their assurances, he declared the immediate reinstatement of the four MPs, allowing them to resume their parliamentary duties.
“I have lifted the suspension order, and I do so instantly. The honorable members who were affected are now permitted to enter the presence of the House. I must say that they complied—they actually complied with the orders,” Speaker Bagbin affirmed.
Despite lifting the suspension, the Speaker reiterated that parliamentary rules must be upheld and that further disciplinary actions, if necessary, would be guided by due process.
