In an unprecedented move, Ghana’s Parliament has suspended four MPs following violent clashes during the Appointments Committee sitting on January 30, 2025. Speaker Alban Bagbin announced the two-week suspension on January 31, 2025, as a firm response to breaches of parliamentary decorum.
The suspended MPs include the Majority Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, and the Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, as well as Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli and Jerry Ahmed Shaib. The decision follows a chaotic series of altercations between members, which began late Thursday and continued into the morning of Friday, January 31.
Eyewitness reports indicate that verbal disputes escalated into physical confrontations, with shoving, threats, and damage to parliamentary property. The clashes stemmed from disagreements during the vetting process at the Appointments Committee, where political tensions surrounding appointments erupted.
Speaker Bagbin condemned the violence, stating that the suspensions serve as a strong message against misconduct in Parliament. In addition to the suspensions, several measures have been outlined to address the fallout:
1. Criminal Complaint: The Clerk of Parliament has been directed to lodge a formal criminal complaint with the police to initiate an investigation into the incidents.
2. Reconstitution of the Appointments Committee: A new Appointments Committee will be formed by the Committee of Selection to restore trust and ensure fair operations.
3. Property Damage Assessment: The Clerk of Parliament will conduct a full assessment of the damage caused to parliamentary property, with MPs responsible for the destruction facing financial responsibility for repairs or replacements.
4. Investigative Committee: A seven-member committee, led by Emmanuel Bedzrah, has been established to investigate the incidents and submit a report within 10 days.
The suspensions and subsequent actions underline Parliament’s commitment to maintaining order and professionalism within its ranks.
Source:TheDotNews