Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has lifted the suspension of four Members of Parliament following an earnest appeal from both the Majority and Minority Leaders.
The suspension was imposed after chaotic scenes erupted during the vetting of ministerial nominees, prompting disciplinary action against the MPs involved.
However, during Tuesday’s parliamentary session, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin took full responsibility for the disturbances and pleaded with the Speaker to reconsider.
“Mr. Speaker, I take full responsibility as a leader on my side for all actions that took place. I, therefore, invite you, Mr. Speaker, to, in light of the assurances given, consider a rescission of the decision you communicated to the House, as well as all consequential matters thereto,” the Effutu MP stated.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, supporting the appeal, emphasized the need for unity and constructive dialogue in parliamentary proceedings.
He acknowledged that the Speaker’s decision to suspend the four MPs was timely and widely understood by Ghanaians as a measure to restore the image of Parliament.
“I believe that your action has achieved its objectives. But as you can see, our colleagues are remorseful, they accept your decision in good faith, and they are appealing to you to reconsider and lift the suspension,” he appealed.
Speaker Bagbin, in response, noted the assurances from the MPs and their commitment to ensuring efficiency and order in parliamentary proceedings.
“They demonstrated and assured me of their total support to me and the Deputy Speakers to ensure that we have an efficient and effective function in Parliament. So I am satisfied with not just the statement but also their conduct,” he stated.
He further acknowledged that the suspension affected members from both sides of the House.
“Mr. Speaker, it was not only members of the Minority side who were suspended. In fact, the Chief Whip of the Majority side was also suspended. So, clearly, the conduct was on both sides,” he added.
On behalf of his caucus, the Majority Leader also appealed to the Speaker to lift the suspensions and allow the affected MPs to return to the House while other measures remain in place.
Following these appeals, Speaker Bagbin announced the lifting of the suspensions, allowing the affected MPs to resume their parliamentary duties.
The suspended lawmakers included the Chief Whips of both the Majority and Minority caucuses—Frank Annoh-Dompreh and Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor—along with Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli and Jerry Ahmed Shaib.
The decision to reinstate them follows efforts by parliamentary leadership to restore harmony after the disruptions, which had led to the formation of a special committee to investigate the incident.
