Speaker of Parliament Bagbin
In a surprising turn of events, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has suspended four Members of Parliament (MPs) for two weeks due to violent clashes that erupted during a ministerial vetting session on January 30, 2025. The suspended MPs are Frank Annoh-Dompreh (NPP, Nsawam-Adoagyiri), Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor (NDC, South Dayi), Alhassan Tampuli (NPP, Gushegu), and Jerry Ahmed Shaib (NDC, Weija-Gbawe).
The chaos unfolded during the vetting of Minister of Health-designate Kwabena Mintah Akandoh and Minister of Foreign Affairs-designate Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. Tensions escalated when the Minority caucus accused the Majority of violating a prior agreement to limit the number of nominees vetted each day. This disagreement quickly spiraled into heated exchanges, culminating in physical altercations that saw microphones and furniture destroyed, and the vetting table overturned.
In response to the incident, Speaker Bagbin has called for a thorough investigation. A special parliamentary committee, led by Ho West MP Emmanuel Bedzrah, has been assigned to look into the matter and is expected to submit a report within ten days. The Speaker also directed the Clerk of Parliament to file a formal complaint with the Ghana Police Service to initiate a criminal investigation into the conduct of the involved MPs.
Furthermore, Speaker Bagbin made it clear that no public funds would be used to repair any damaged parliamentary property. Instead, MPs found responsible for the damage will be required to cover the costs themselves.
This incident sheds light on the growing tensions within Ghana’s political landscape. As the Parliament grapples with internal conflicts, the focus now shifts to the ongoing vetting process and the need for decorum in such critical sessions. The actions taken by Speaker Bagbin serve as a reminder that accountability is essential in maintaining order and respect within the legislative body.
