The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has affirmed that he is ready to face any legal challenge over the suspension of four Members of Parliament for disorderly conduct during the vetting of some ministerial nominees of President John Dramani Mahama, on Thursday, January 30, 2025.

Speaking on the Floor of Parliament on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, after he lifted the suspension, he emphasised that his actions were rooted in the Standing Orders of Parliament, which he is obligated to uphold.

"The rules are very clear, and I did refer to them and stated clearly that because we are in the transitional mood, we will not be able to put committees in place, including that of the Privileges and Immunities Committee. The Standing Orders grant me the power and authority to do what I did.

"And clearly, the jurisprudence is very clear that when contempt is committed, you don't proceed to set up another committee or court or whatever to investigate and submit a report. And so, I referred to the one in Parliament. I have no problem meeting you in court," he noted.

Bagbin defended his decision to suspend the 4 MPs, stressing that his role as Speaker requires strict adherence to parliamentary procedures, even when it involves disciplining close colleagues.

"I go according to the rules. Your leaders actually came to me to plead that I tempered justice with mercy. If any of you here is not remorseful, please be on your feet. If you are not, you are not," he stated.

The Speaker also expressed gratitude to the Marshals Department and the police service for their roles in maintaining order and assured members of his continued commitment to protecting their rights both within and outside Parliament.

With the lifting of the suspension, the 4 MPs are to resume their parliamentary duties.

Background

The altercation stemmed from the vetting of Minister of Health-designate, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, and Minister of Foreign Affairs-designate, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

The Minority Caucus accused the Majority Caucus of violating an agreement to vet only four nominees for the day, leading to heated exchanges.

Tensions quickly escalated into physical confrontations, destroying microphones and furniture, and the overturning of the vetting table.

In response to the chaos, the Speaker suspended four Members of Parliament for two weeks.



JKB/AE


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