The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has suspended four Members of Parliament following the chaotic confrontation at the Appointments Committee hearing on Thursday, January 31, 2025.
The situation disrupted the public hearing and in resulted in destruction of properties.
The four MPs suspended are Rockson-Nelson Etse Kwame Dafeamakpor, Majority Chief Whip, MP, South Dayi; Frank Annor-Dompreh, Minority Chief Whip, MP, Nsawam Adoagyiri; Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli; and Jerry Ahmed Shaib, MP, Weija-Gbawe
The decision, announced in a strongly worded statement on the floor of the House on Friday, January 31, 2025, is aimed at restoring discipline and upholding the integrity of Ghana’s legislative body.
The four MPs are barred from participating in parliamentary proceedings for two weeks. During this period, Deputy Whips from both Majority and Minority sides will assume their responsibilities.
Further, a seven-member Special Committee has been tasked with investigating the incident and submitting a report within ten days. This committee, chaired by Hon. Emmanuel Bedzrah, will recommend disciplinary actions against all MPs found culpable.
The Clerk of Parliament has been directed to assess the damage caused to parliamentary property.
Any MP found responsible will be surcharged, with deductions made from their salaries to cover repair costs.
A formal complaint is to be lodged with the Ghana Police Service for a full-scale criminal investigation into the incident.
Also, the Speaker ordered that an urgent meeting of the Committee of Selection will be held to reconstitute the Appointments Committee and ensure a review of the Standing Orders governing its work.
