adverts
GPMON Commends Speaker Bagbin for Swift Action on Vetting Incident
The Ghana Parliamentary Monitoring Organisations Network (GPMON) has commended the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, for his decisive response to the misconduct that took place during the vetting of ministerial nominees on January 30, 2025.
In a press release, GPMON lauded the Speaker’s swift move to launch an investigation into the incident, emphasising that accountability is crucial in maintaining the integrity and dignity of Parliament.
The network believes that such measures will restore discipline and ensure that parliamentary proceedings adhere to the decorum expected of lawmakers.
adverts
“We believe that the Speaker’s prompt and decisive move to launch an investigation into the incident and hold those responsible accountable is a necessary step in upholding the dignity and integrity of Parliament. Such actions will help restore discipline and ensure that parliamentary proceedings are conducted with the decorum expected of elected representatives,” the statement read.
The network also commended the speaker’s commitment to enforcing the Standing Orders of Parliament, highlighting that strict adherence to these rules is essential to curbing indiscipline, rebuilding public confidence in democracy, and safeguarding the reputation of Ghana’s Parliament.
As a coalition of civil society organisations focused on parliamentary transparency and accountability, GPMON expressed its keen interest in the outcome of the investigation.
The network pledged to closely monitor the proceedings of the seven-member committee set up to probe the matter and track directives issued to the Clerk of Parliament, as well as the ongoing police investigations.
To reinforce discipline and deter future incidents, GPMON recommended imposing stricter penalties on those found culpable, including surcharges to recover the cost of damages caused during the fracas.
GPMON reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Parliament and ensuring that Members of Parliament fulfil their responsibilities effectively in advancing democratic governance.
The press release was endorsed by the following member organisations of GPMON:
- Parliamentary Network Africa (PNAfrica)
- Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC)
- Ghana Integrity Initiative
- Network for Women’s Rights in Ghana (NETRIGHT)
- Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF Ghana)
- BudgIT Ghana
- Renel Ghana Foundation
- Penplusbytes
- Norsaac
- Odekro
- Concern Health
- Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI), Africa Office
- CDD-Ghana
- Youth Bridge Foundation
- Private Enterprise Federation (PEF)
- Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD)
The network reiterated its dedication to ensuring that Parliament remains a pillar of democratic governance, calling on all stakeholders to support measures that promote discipline and accountability within the legislative arm of government.
