Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has criticized Speaker Alban Bagbin’s suspension of three Minority MPs, calling it an unfair and politically driven move aimed at weakening the opposition in Parliament.
The suspension, announced last Friday in response to chaotic scenes during an Appointments Committee sitting, has sparked a backlash from the Minority, who argue it undermines parliamentary democracy and the rights of elected lawmakers.
Addressing the media in Parliament on Monday, February 3, 2025, Afenyo-Markin denounced the decision as an “abuse of power” and a clear attempt to silence the Minority.
“This is nothing short of a calculated effort to intimidate and suppress the opposition’s influence in Parliament,” he stated.
He demanded an immediate reversal of the suspension, warning that allowing Speaker Bagbin to exercise unchecked authority could set a dangerous precedent.
“We categorically reject this suspension and demand an immediate reversal. If this is not addressed, it will embolden the Speaker to weaponize disciplinary actions against those who do not align with his preferred political stance,” Afenyo-Markin warned.
He argued that Parliament is meant to foster vigorous debate, even when discussions become heated, rather than serve as a platform for punitive actions against dissenting voices.
“The Speaker’s role is to maintain order and promote dialogue, not to punish MPs for standing their ground on matters of parliamentary procedure,” he asserted.
The Minority also accused Speaker Bagbin of inconsistency in handling parliamentary disruptions, citing past incidents—including the 2021 Speakership election chaos, the Electronic Levy (E-Levy) brawl, and the heated Supreme Court nomination hearings in 2024—where no suspensions were issued.
“In all these cases, the Speaker adopted a reconciliatory approach. Why, then, does he choose now to impose harsh and selective punishment? This double standard undermines his credibility as a neutral arbiter,” Afenyo-Markin said.
The suspension affects four MPs: Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, MP for South Dayi (NDC Chief Whip); Frank Annoh-Dompreh, MP for Nsawam Adoagyiri (NPP Chief Whip); Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli, NPP MP for Gushegu and Jerry Ahmed Shuaib, MP for Weija Gbawe and NPP 2nd Deputy of the Minority Caucus
According to Speaker Bagbin, the suspensions—lasting two weeks without pay—are just the beginning, as further sanctions may follow pending an official investigation.
He also issued an apology to Ghanaians for what he described as an embarrassing display in Parliament, vowing to take measures to restore the institution’s dignity.
“I am deeply disappointed in the conduct of parliamentary leaders. Their actions have brought disrepute to this House and undermined the democratic values we are sworn to uphold,” Bagbin stated.