The Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, Alban Bagbin, delivered a stern admonition to Members of Parliament (MPs) following a chaotic incident on the floor of the House. The disruption stemmed from the First Deputy Speaker’s refusal to allow Dr. Nana Ayew Afriye, the NPP MP for Effiduase/Asokore, to read a statement. This sparked unruly behavior among some MPs, prompting Speaker Bagbin’s forceful intervention and reminder of the authority vested in the Speaker’s office. He emphasized the extensive powers granted to the Speaker under the Parliament Act 1965 and the Standing Orders of the House, warning that their full application could have serious consequences for the careers of MPs who disrespect the chair.
Bagbin underscored the principle that the Speaker’s rulings are final and binding on the floor of Parliament. He acknowledged the fallibility of all members, including himself, but stressed the importance of respecting the established procedures for challenging rulings, which involve established legal avenues and not disruptive confrontations or verbal abuse. He emphasized the esteemed titles of “Right Honourable” for the Speaker and “Honourable” for MPs, highlighting the inherent respect and decorum expected of those holding these positions. He even used a proverb, “Even a dog is obeyed in office,” to illustrate the importance of respecting authority, regardless of the individual holding it.
The Speaker’s address went beyond the immediate incident, emphasizing the global reputation of Ghana’s Parliament. He highlighted the high regard in which the institution is held internationally and how this positive image benefits individual MPs. He urged members to uphold the dignity of Parliament through adherence to established rules and procedures, warning against unparliamentary conduct that could tarnish their own reputations and damage the standing of Ghana’s Parliament on the world stage.
Bagbin appealed to the MPs’ self-interest, reminding them that their actions reflect not only on themselves but also on the institution as a whole. He presented himself as a mentor, given his extensive experience in parliamentary leadership roles both within Africa and internationally. His positions as Chair of all speakers in Africa and immediate past president of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, encompassing 182 Parliaments, lend significant weight to his counsel. He emphasized the importance of learning from his experience, particularly for newer members, to navigate the complexities of parliamentary procedure and maintain the decorum of the House.
Moving from general principles to specific instruction, Speaker Bagbin detailed the proper procedures for filing a statement on the floor of the House. This served as a direct response to the incident involving Dr. Afriye, ensuring that all members understood the correct channels to follow, thereby preventing similar disruptions in the future. He encouraged all MPs to familiarize themselves with the rules and regulations governing parliamentary proceedings to avoid unintentional breaches of protocol.
Concluding his remarks, Speaker Bagbin addressed those directly involved in the disruptive incident, imploring them not to repeat such behavior. His call for respect and adherence to parliamentary procedures served as both a rebuke for past misconduct and a clear directive for future conduct. He stressed the importance of maintaining the dignity of the Parliament and urged all members to learn from the incident and contribute to a more orderly and respectful environment within the House. His closing remarks encapsulated the theme of his address: upholding the honor of Parliament through respect for authority and adherence to established procedures. This message, delivered with the weight of his experience and position, aimed to guide the conduct of MPs and ensure the smooth and dignified functioning of Ghana’s Parliament.
