Tensions flared in Parliament on Thursday, June 6, as First Deputy Speaker Hon. James Agalga Ahiafor ordered Effiduase-Asokore MP, Dr Nana Ayew Afriyie, out of the chamber during a heated exchange over the ongoing strike by nurses and midwives.
The dramatic exchange, which briefly disrupted the session and led to an abrupt adjournment, followed a heated confrontation between Minority members and the Speaker’s chair.
The incident began when Dr Afriyie, who also serves as Ranking Member on the Health Committee, rose to raise concerns about the ongoing strike by members of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA). The strike, which began on June 4, has significantly disrupted healthcare delivery across the country.
Attempting to draw attention to the matter just after routine business had ended and the Majority Leader had moved for adjournment, Dr Afriyie was immediately ruled out of order by the presiding Deputy Speaker.
Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, appealed to the chair to consider the urgent and humanitarian implications of the strike. He urged the Deputy Speaker to exercise discretion and allow for a brief intervention on the matter.
However, Mr Ahiafor declined the request, stressing that House rules must be upheld. “I intend not to grant any leave,” he ruled.
Dr Afriyie, undeterred, continued his attempt to speak. This prompted the Deputy Speaker to call on the Marshal of Parliament to remove him from the chamber.
“Honourable Marshal, you’re hereby directed to walk Afriyie out of the House,” he ordered, triggering protests from the Minority side.
The incident forced an early end to the day’s sitting, with proceedings abruptly adjourned amid heightened tensions in the House.
