First Deputy Speaker Defends Suspension of MPs, Says Speaker Acted Within Authority

The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Chairman of the Appointments Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, has defended Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision to suspend four Members of Parliament (MPs) following chaotic scenes that disrupted proceedings on January 30, 2025.

The suspensions, announced on Friday, January 31, came after violent altercations in Parliament that resulted in the destruction of tables and microphones. The tensions arose when the minority resisted further vetting of ministerial nominees, while the majority insisted on proceeding after completing the scheduled agenda for the day.

Speaking on The Point of View on Channel One TV, Mr. Ahiafor dismissed claims that the Speaker had overstepped his authority. Drawing an analogy to courtroom practice, he argued that Speaker Bagbin acted as a judge in the situation, making an immediate ruling based on events that unfolded before him.

“People are not getting it right. As a private legal practitioner, if I reduce it to a courtroom practice, we have two types of those incidents: the one that happened outside the court when you need evidence to establish, and the one within the court, where you need no evidence to take a decision as a judge,” Ahiafor explained.

He further emphasised that, in such matters, the Speaker has the power to take disciplinary action to maintain order and protect the integrity of parliamentary proceedings.

In addition to the suspensions, Speaker Bagbin has established a seven-member committee to investigate the disturbances, identify those responsible, and recommend appropriate sanctions.

Chaired by Ho West MP Emmanuel Bedzrah, the committee includes Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, Gizella Akushika Tetteh-Agbotui, Abena Osei Asare, Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Vincent Oppong Asamoah, and Bede Anwataazuma Ziedeng.

To encourage public participation, the committee has set up a WhatsApp platform where individuals can submit relevant information.

Additionally, public hearings will be held, allowing witnesses to testify about the events that disrupted parliamentary proceedings.

Speaker Bagbin has also ruled out the use of public funds to repair the damages caused by the altercations. Instead, any MPs found guilty of misconduct will be surcharged for the costs.

As the four suspended MPs continue to serve their two-week suspension, the committee’s findings are expected to provide further clarity on the events that unfolded and help restore decorum in Parliament.

With public opinion divided on the Speaker’s actions, the outcome of the committee’s work will likely shape future discourse on parliamentary discipline and accountability.

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