The Minority in Parliament has condemned the suspension order for three New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament (MPs) by Speaker of Alban S.K. Bagbin, calling the decision a ‘dangerous precedent’ and an ‘attack on democracy.’
The MPs—Hon. Frank pAnnoh-Dompreh (Nsawam-Adoagyiri), Hon. Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli (Gushegu), and Hon. Jerry Ahmed Shaib (Weija-Gbawe)—were suspended on Friday, January 31, 2025, following a violent altercation during the vetting of ministerial nominees.
The Minority, in a statement,t described the Speaker’s move as an “unfortunate overreach of parliamentary authority” and accused him of applying “selective justice” to silence opposing voices in the legislature.
The Caucus argued that the chaotic scenes during the ministerial vetting process were caused by deep frustrations over how the process was conducted. They claim the Majority attempted to force decisions through without consensus and that the Chairman of the Appointments Committee failed to exercise impartiality.
“The unfortunate incident that led to minor property damage was not a planned disruption but a manifestation of the growing tensions caused by the Majority and their members,” the statement read.
The side insisted the Speaker acted arbitrarily and without due process, violating the rights of the affected MPs.
According to the Caucus, the Speaker ignored Standing Orders 130 (a) and (b), which outline procedures for disciplinary actions, and failed to provide the MPs with an opportunity to be heard as required under Article 19 (1) of Ghana’s Constitution.
“By unilaterally suspending these MPs, the Speaker has set a dangerous precedent where perceived disobedience can be met with extreme punishment without following internal disciplinary mechanisms,” the statement said.
The Minority Caucus also accused Speaker Bagbin of being inconsistent in handling parliamentary disruptions, recalling previous incidents where no such punitive measures were taken.
They cited the chaotic Speakership election in 2021, the brawl over the Electronic Levy (E-Levy), and the July 30, 2024, public hearing on the nomination of two Supreme Court judges—all instances where tensions flared, but no MPs were suspended.
“The Speaker adopted a reconciliatory approach in all these cases. Why then does he choose, at this moment, to impose harsh and selective punishment? This inconsistency undermines his credibility as a neutral arbiter and exposes a worrying bias,” the statement said.
The Minority Caucus is demanding an immediate reversal of the suspension order, warning that failure to do so would set a precedent for Speaker Bagbin to wield unchecked authority over Parliament.
“We categorically reject the suspension of these three MPs and demand an immediate reversal of this politically charged decision,” the statement emphasized.
They argue that Parliament is meant to be a space for robust debate, even if heated, and that lawmakers have a duty to ensure due process is followed.
“The Speaker’s role is to facilitate dialogue and order, not to punish lawmakers for standing their ground in the face of procedural unfairness,” the Minority asserted.
The Caucus warns that Speaker Bagbin’s actions could undermine parliamentary democracy by stifling dissenting voices.
“If this unjustifiable action is not addressed, it will set a precedent where the Speaker becomes an unchecked authority, weaponizing disciplinary measures against those who do not align with his preferred political narratives,” the statement cautioned.
Parliament, the Caucus stressed, should remain a bastion of democracy, not an institution of oppression.