Bagbin lifts suspension of four MPs

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Telegram
Email

Speaker Alban Bagbin has lifted the suspension of four Members of Parliament who were previously suspended for their involvement in a chaotic confrontation during the vetting of ministerial nominees

The decision to lift the suspension comes amidst ongoing protests from the Minority caucus, who had condemned the suspension as unfair and unilateral.

The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, had urged Speaker Bagbin to rescind his decision, emphasizing the need for a fair hearing and proper procedure.

The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga also put in a word by appealing to the speaker to rescind his decision.

With the suspension lifted, the MPs are now free to resume their duties in Parliament.

The MPs affected were Majority and Minority Chief Whips, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor and Frank Annoh-Dompreh, as well as Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli, Gushegu MP and Jerry Ahmed Shaib, Weija Gbawe MP were suspended from parliamentary sittings for two weeks, effective Friday, January 31.

Their suspension followed the violent confrontations that erupted at the Appointments Committee on Thursday January 30, 2025.

Tensions flared between members of the Minority and Majority caucuses over the vetting of Kwabena Mintah Akandoh and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

The Minority argued that the vetting should be rescheduled for Friday, while the Majority insisted it proceed as planned on the same day.

The disagreement escalated, leading to chaotic scenes in which Minority members took extreme actions, including breaking tables and microphones, in an attempt to halt the vetting process.

In response, the Majority maintained that the committee was following its scheduled plan and that the vetting should continue without disruption.

In response to the disturbances, the following actions were directed by Speaker Bagbin:

  • The Clerk of Parliament should formally lodge a criminal complaint with the police for a full investigation into the matter.
  • The Committee of Selection should reconstitute the Appointments Committee.
  • The Clerk of Parliament should conduct a full assessment of damages to property in the Appointments Committee room, with any members found responsible to be surcharged for repairs.
  • A seven-member committee, chaired by Emmanuel Bedzrah, was tasked with investigating the incident and presenting a report within 10 days for further action.

 

Share this post :

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Telegram
Email