Four Ghanaian MPs Suspended Over Chaotic Parliamentary Incident

Accra, Ghana – February 2, 2025 – In a bold move to uphold decorum within Parliament, Speaker Alban Bagbin has suspended four Members of Parliament (MPs) for two weeks following a chaotic confrontation during the recent Appointments Committee sitting.

The suspension comes in the wake of disruptive behavior on Thursday, during the vetting of ministerial nominees, where tensions escalated into physical altercations.
Reports indicate that the disorder resulted in damaged tables and microphones, with some MPs nearly engaging in a fistfight.

Suspended MPs

• Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor (Majority Whip)
• Frank Annoh-Dompreh (Minority Whip)
• Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli
• Jerry Ahmed Shaib

Speaker Bagbin’s Response

Speaker Bagbin condemned the incident, labeling it a national embarrassment and a breach of parliamentary decorum. He formed a committee to investigate the events and directed the Parliamentary Marshal to restrict the access of the suspended MPs to the chamber.

Bagbin emphasized that Parliament must be a place of respect and order, warning that any future incidents could result in stricter penalties.

Implications for Parliamentary Proceedings

The incident raises concerns about the state of Ghana’s political climate and the effectiveness of its legislative processes. The Appointments Committee, already under public scrutiny, will need to reassess its approach to ensure smoother future sessions.
The heated exchange could also impede bipartisan cooperation, making effective dialogue and mutual respect among MPs more critical than ever.

Public Reactions

Public responses have been mixed.

• Some applauded Speaker Bagbin for his decisive action, seeing it as necessary for maintaining parliamentary integrity.
• Others suggest the suspensions may be politically motivated or insufficient in addressing broader systemic issues in Ghana’s politics.

Conclusion: A Call for Decorum in Parliament

The suspension of the four MPs serves as a stark reminder of the need for decorum and civility within Parliament.
By taking swift action, Speaker Bagbin has not only reinforced the standards of conduct expected from lawmakers but has also sparked a conversation on improving political discourse in Ghana.

Moving forward, both MPs and citizens must work towards fostering a constructive and respectful environment in Parliament, ensuring that it remains a stabilizing force in Ghanaian democracy.