The suspension of four Members of Parliament (MPs) by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban S. K. Bagbin, has sparked a wave of reactions, particularly in the Hohoe Constituency of the Volta Region, where the decision has been largely welcomed by constituents. The suspension, effective January 31, 2025, bars the MPs from attending parliamentary sittings for two weeks. The affected MPs include prominent figures such as Majority Chief Whip Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor, Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh, Second Minority Whip Jerry Shaibu, and NPP MP for Gushegu, Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli. The Speaker’s action stems from alleged misconduct exhibited by the MPs during the proceedings of the Appointments Committee, raising concerns about decorum and the image of Parliament.
Several constituents expressed their support for the Speaker’s decision, viewing it as a necessary step to uphold the integrity of the legislative body. Among them, Mr. Lawrence Amoah, a medical officer, described the suspension as a “tough but necessary decision” that would serve as a deterrent against future misconduct by legislators. He attributed part of the blame to the Chairman of the Appointments Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, criticizing his perceived leniency in managing the proceedings. Amoah contrasted Ahiafor’s approach with the firmer leadership demonstrated by the previous chairperson during the vetting process four years prior, suggesting that a stronger hand was needed to maintain order and decorum.
Ms. Linda Adu, a student, echoed Amoah’s sentiments, asserting that the suspension would help restore public respect for Parliament. She argued that the MPs’ behavior, which included acts of vandalism, risked eroding public trust if left unchecked. Adu emphasized the negative impact of such conduct, especially when broadcast on national television, as it could normalize destructive behavior among the youth and create the impression that resorting to property damage is an acceptable response to differing viewpoints. Her concern underscores the potential for such televised incidents to influence societal behavior and attitudes negatively.
Mr. Eric Atikpladza, a media personality, weighed in on the issue, describing the incident as unfortunate but avoidable. He suggested that greater consensus-building between the Minority and Majority sides of Parliament could have prevented the escalation of disagreements. Atikpladza criticized the destruction of state property, including microphones, highlighting the incongruity between such actions and the “honourable” title bestowed upon MPs. This sentiment reflects the wider public expectation that parliamentarians should maintain a higher standard of conduct, especially when handling public resources. Overall, there was a general consensus among those interviewed that the Speaker’s decision was appropriate and necessary to maintain order and decorum within Parliament.
The incident itself involved disorderly conduct during the Appointments Committee proceedings, culminating in acts of vandalism. While the specifics of the misconduct haven’t been fully detailed, it was serious enough to warrant the suspension of four key members of the committee. The Speaker’s response not only addressed the immediate issue through the suspensions but also aimed to establish a framework for future accountability. The establishment of a 7-member Special Committee tasked with investigating the incident further demonstrates the Speaker’s commitment to a thorough and impartial review of the events.
The incident and subsequent suspensions underscore the broader challenges faced by Ghana’s Parliament in maintaining order and fostering productive dialogue. The divisions between the Majority and Minority sides, as highlighted by Atikpladza, can sometimes hinder effective governance and lead to unproductive confrontations. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respectful debate and compromise in a democratic system, emphasizing the need for parliamentarians to prioritize the nation’s interests above partisan politics. The Speaker’s decisive action signals a commitment to upholding the dignity and effectiveness of Parliament, setting a precedent for accountability and encouraging more responsible conduct in future proceedings. The findings of the Special Committee will likely shed more light on the specifics of the incident and potentially recommend further measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
