The Ghanaian Parliament descended into chaos on Thursday, January 30, 2020, during the vetting of ministerial nominees, prompting Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin to launch an investigation and impose sanctions on involved lawmakers. The disruption stemmed from a disagreement between the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) members of the Parliament’s Appointments Committee regarding the continuation of vetting procedures late into the evening. The NPP members argued against proceeding with the vetting of two remaining nominees, citing time constraints, while the NDC insisted on completing the process, given the nominees’ extended wait. This clash of opinions escalated into a physical altercation, damaging parliamentary property and abruptly halting the vetting session.
Speaker Bagbin, addressing Parliament the following day, condemned the unruly behavior and vowed to hold those responsible accountable. He established a seven-member committee, chaired by Ho West MP Emmanuel Bedzrah, to thoroughly investigate the incident and recommend appropriate disciplinary actions. Bagbin emphasized that lawmakers found culpable for the disturbances would face consequences, including potential salary deductions to cover the cost of repairing damaged equipment. This decisive action underscored the Speaker’s commitment to maintaining order and decorum within the legislative chamber. He signaled a zero-tolerance policy for such disruptive conduct, aiming to uphold the dignity of Parliament and ensure the smooth functioning of its proceedings.
In a swift move to address the immediate fallout from the chaotic session, Speaker Bagbin also announced a two-week suspension for four MPs: Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, Alhassan Tampuli, and Jerry Ahmed Shaib. These suspensions barred the MPs from participating in parliamentary activities for the specified period, serving as a preliminary disciplinary measure while the committee conducted its investigation. The Speaker’s prompt action demonstrated his seriousness in addressing the issue and sending a clear message that disruptive behavior would not be tolerated.
The root of the conflict lay in the scheduling of the vetting process. The NPP members contended that continuing the vetting of Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister-Designate for Foreign Affairs, and Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister-Designate for Health, late into the night was inappropriate given the time constraints. They argued that adequate time was needed for proper scrutiny of the nominees and felt that rushing the process would compromise their oversight responsibilities. The NDC, however, insisted on completing the vetting, emphasizing the nominees’ prolonged wait and the importance of adhering to the scheduled proceedings. This difference in perspective ultimately fueled the escalating tension between the two parties.
The disagreement quickly devolved into a physical confrontation, with MPs engaging in fisticuffs and damaging parliamentary furniture and equipment. Tables were overturned, microphones were destroyed, and the chamber descended into disarray, forcing an abrupt end to the vetting session. The scene highlighted the deep divisions and heightened tensions between the ruling and opposition parties, with the vetting process becoming a flashpoint for their underlying political rivalry. The incident underscored the need for improved communication and conflict resolution mechanisms within Parliament to prevent such disruptions in the future.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga intervened to restore order and calm the situation. However, despite his efforts, the damage was done, and the vetting session could not proceed due to the destruction of essential equipment. Ayariga pleaded for the vetting of the two remaining nominees to be rescheduled for the following day, acknowledging the need to replace the damaged equipment before proceedings could resume. The incident served as a stark reminder of the fragility of parliamentary decorum and the potential for political disagreements to escalate into disruptive and damaging confrontations. It emphasized the importance of upholding respectful dialogue and maintaining order within the legislative process to ensure the effective functioning of Ghana’s democracy.
