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Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has suspended four Members of Parliament for their involvement in Thursday’s clashes during the Appointments Committee sitting.
The suspended MPs include the two whips – Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor of the NDC Majority and Frank Annoh-Dompreh of the NPP Minority caucus, as well as the MP for Weija-Gbawe, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, and the MP for Gushegu, Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli, sometimes referred to as Hassan Tampuli.
In addition to this punitive action, the Speaker has set up a seven-member committee chaired by Ho West MP, Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, to probe the incident and submit a report. He also disclosed that he had directed the Clerk to Parliament to file a criminal complaint with the Ghana Police Service.
The incident unfolded immediately after the vetting of Transport Minister-designate Joseph Bukari Nikpe, when NPP Minority MPs demanded an adjournment, citing exhaustion. However, the request was opposed by NDC Majority MPs, who insisted on proceeding. Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor urged the Clerk to Parliament to swear in the next nominee, leading to a tense standoff.
The disagreement quickly escalated into chaos, with MPs flipping chairs and damaging tables, speakers, microphones, and other items. This prompted an urgent intervention by security personnel, with over ten police officers deployed to restore order.
Addressing the House on Friday, 31 January 2025, Speaker Bagbin strongly condemned the incident and rebuked the MPs for their lack of emotional intelligence, noting that the incident further lowered public confidence among Ghanaians.
He expressed concern:
Even more alarming is the involvement of some senior members of the House and members in leadership, individuals who ought to embody the principles of leadership and discipline. Their participation in this deplorable spectacle raises serious questions about their fitness to lead and their commitment to upholding the values of Parliament.
He added:
The rules of Parliament exist to guide conduct, and members are duty-bound to uphold them. Ghanaian citizens deserve a Parliament that exemplifies discipline, intelligence, and the pursuit of national progress, not one that degenerates into a battleground at the slightest disagreement.
He further apologised, stating:
I wish to extend my sincere apologies to the Ghanaian people for this national embarrassment and assure them that this House will not allow such an incident to recur.
Speaker Bagbin also implored the Members of Parliament to reflect on the incident to ensure better decision-making in similar future situations.