The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, delivered a stern admonition to Members of Parliament (MPs) regarding their conduct within the parliamentary chamber. His address, delivered upon the resumption of Parliament from recess on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, followed a period of disorder and chaotic incidents during the January 2025 sitting, which tarnished the reputation of the House. Expressing his disappointment over these occurrences, Speaker Bagbin emphasized the need for Parliament to exemplify public service rather than becoming a stage for theatrical displays. He unequivocally warned that any misconduct or criminal behavior would be met with consequences, emphasizing the importance of upholding the dignity of the House and preventing its business from being disrupted by actions that do not serve the public interest.
Speaker Bagbin’s message underscored the critical role of Parliament in the democratic process. He stressed that debates, while vigorous, must remain civil, and disagreements should be addressed with principle and reason, not through emotional outbursts or violence. He emphasized that the public expects intelligent discourse and substantive contributions from their elected representatives, not petty insults or theatrical spectacles. This expectation, he asserted, highlights the need for MPs to conduct themselves in a manner befitting their position and responsibility.
Central to the Speaker’s message was the commitment to enforcing parliamentary rules and procedures more rigorously. Declaring that the “honeymoon with the rules is over,” he signaled a stricter approach to maintaining order and decorum within the House. He stressed the importance of attendance, adherence to established procedures, and respect for the institution. The Speaker made it clear that disorder, absenteeism, and attempts to circumvent parliamentary procedures would no longer be tolerated. This firm stance, he indicated, would be instrumental in ensuring the effective functioning of Parliament and upholding the principles of democratic governance.
Speaker Bagbin specifically addressed the newer members of Parliament, offering guidance on how to make a meaningful contribution to the legislative process. He cautioned against the allure of the spotlight and the temptation to prioritize visibility over substantive work. While acknowledging the understandable desire to be recognized, he emphasized that true effectiveness lies in the often-less-glamorous work of parliamentary committees. He urged new MPs to focus their energies on committee participation, where the groundwork for legislation is laid, oversight functions are performed, and the real work of Parliament takes place.
The Speaker highlighted the crucial role of committees in shaping legislation, ensuring effective oversight of government activities, and contributing to the overall effectiveness of Parliament. He explained that by actively engaging in committee work, new MPs could hone their legislative skills, develop a deeper understanding of policy issues, and contribute meaningfully to the legislative process. This, he argued, would ultimately have a far greater impact than seeking the limelight in plenary sessions.
In essence, Speaker Bagbin’s address served as a call for renewed commitment to the principles of decorum, respect, and effective governance within the Parliament of Ghana. He emphasized the need for MPs to prioritize the public interest above personal agendas and to conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the dignity of the House. His commitment to stricter enforcement of parliamentary rules and his guidance to new MPs underscored his determination to ensure that Parliament functions effectively and serves the needs of the Ghanaian people. His emphasis on substance over spectacle, and the crucial role of committee work, offered a roadmap for new MPs to navigate the complexities of parliamentary procedure and contribute meaningfully to the legislative process.
