The Minority Caucus in Ghana’s Parliament has condemned the suspension of three New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament (MPs) by Speaker Alban Bagbin, labeling it a “blatant display of selective justice” and an affront to democratic principles.

In a press statement issued on Friday, January 31, 2025, the Minority Caucus rejected the suspension of Hon. Frank Annoh-Dompreh (Nsawam-Adoagyiri), Hon. Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli (Gushegu), and Hon. Jerry Ahmed Shaib (Weija-Gbawe).

The MPs were suspended following a contentious ministerial vetting process, during which tensions reportedly escalated, leading to property damage in Parliament.

In its statement, the Minority argued that the Speaker’s decision bypassed parliamentary due process, violating Standing Orders 130(a) and (b) and Article 19(1) of Ghana’s Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair hearing.

They described the incident as a spontaneous outburst fueled by frustration over the Majority Caucus’s “attempt to railroad decisions” and the alleged partiality of the Appointments Committee chair.

“The events that transpired during the vetting of ministerial nominees were borne out of deep-seated frustrations regarding the conduct of proceedings, the disregard for due process, and the Majority's attempt to railroad decisions without consensus-building. Parliament, by its very nature, is a forum for robust debate and passionate deliberation.

“The unfortunate incident that led to minor property damage was not a planned disruption but a manifestation of the growing tensions caused by the Majority and their members, as well as the failure of the Chairman of the Appointments Committee to exercise impartiality.

“Parliament is a forum for robust debate. The Speaker’s unilateral punishment sets a dangerous precedent, transforming the House into an institution of oppression,” the statement read.

The Minority further accused Speaker Bagbin of inconsistency, citing past instances such as the 2021 Speakership election, the July 2024 Supreme Court judges’ nomination hearing, and the E-levy brawl where similar or even greater disruptions occurred without suspensions.

They questioned why the Speaker opted for such “harsh punishment” now, suggesting political bias.

“The Speaker himself has, on numerous occasions, presided over a Parliament where similar or worse incidents occurred, yet no such punitive measures were taken.

“The refusal to apply the same standard in previous instances makes this decision appear politically motivated, aimed at intimidating certain Members of Parliament and silencing dissent,” the statement added.

The Minority demanded an immediate reversal of the suspensions, warning that failure to do so risks entrenching the Speaker’s “unchecked authority” to suppress opposing views.

They emphasised Parliament’s role as a “bastion of democracy” and urged adherence to accountability and dialogue.

What happened?

The fracas occurred during 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 of violating an agreement to vet only two nominees per day, sparking heated exchanges.

Tensions escalated into physical altercations, resulting in microphones and furniture being destroyed, and the vetting table being overturned.

See the full statement below:





ID/MA

Watch the video of the chaos below: