Speaker of Ghana’s 9th Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin has announced the suspension of four Members of Parliament (MPs) for a period of two weeks following a chaotic scene that occurred during the appointments committee vetting session Thursday evening.
On Friday, January 31, 2025, RT Hon. Bagbin announced the suspension during house proceedings on the floor of parliament citing the MPs’ disruptive behaviour that marred the committee’s work.
The suspended MPs are Hon Rockson-Nelson Etse Dafeamekpor, NDC Member of Parliament for South Dayi Constituency in the Volta Region and Majority chief whip, Hon Frank Annoh-Dompreh, NPP Member of Parliament for Nsawam Adoagyiri and Minority chief whip in the Eastern Region, Hon Alhassan Tampuli, NPP Member of Parliament for Gushegu Constituency in the Northern Region and Hon Jerry Ahmed Shaib NPP Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe Constituency.
The disruption occurred during the vetting of appointees, particularly over disagreements on whether to continue proceedings to vet The minister-designate for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, where the Minority led by Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin and Hon Anno Domprey suggested it should be postponed to the next day as against the decision of the Majority who wants to proceed with the vetting.
This disagreement led to high tensions escalating, leading to verbal altercations and disorderly conduct.
The Speaker condemned the actions, stressing that such behaviour undermines the integrity of the beautiful democracy and parliamentary processes.
The suspension will last for two weeks, meaning the MPs will not be allowed to attend or participate in parliamentary sittings during this period.
Meanwhile, the Speaker has instructed the Clerk of parliament to file a formal complain with the Ghana Police Service for an investigation to be conducted on the Members of Parliament that were involved in the Thursday January 30th proceedings, as he stablishes a committee to investigate the chaos
These developments comes as part of ongoing efforts to maintain decorum and ensure smooth parliamentary operations, especially during critical vetting procedures.
Further details on the incident and the suspended MPs’ responses are expected to unfold in the coming days.
The Appointments Committee’s work continues, as they vet other scheduled nominees.
Credit: Benard Rhussia
