Four Ghanaian MPs Suspended After Chaotic Vetting Session
Four Ghanaian MPs Suspended After Chaotic Vetting Session
Four Members of Parliament in Ghana have been suspended for two weeks following a chaotic vetting session that led to disorder in the chamber.
Speaker Alban Bagbin announced the suspensions on Friday, January 31, 2025, citing misconduct during the previous day’s proceedings. The affected MPs are Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor (South Dayi), Frank Annoh-Dompreh (Nsawam-Adoagyiri), Alhassan Tampuli (Gushegu), and Jerry Ahmed Shaib (Weija-Gbawe).
The disruption erupted around 10 p.m. after the vetting of Transport Minister nominee Joseph Bukari Nikpe. Tensions rose when the Minority requested that the session be adjourned to Friday, expressing concerns over the day’s proceedings. The Majority, however, opposed the move, arguing that delays had been caused by prolonged questioning of nominees, particularly by the Ranking Member, who reportedly spent about three hours on one candidate.
At the time of the altercation, the vetting of Health Minister nominee Kwabena Mintah Akandoh and Foreign Affairs Minister nominee Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa was set to commence, with the Clerk preparing to administer the oath to Mr. Akandoh. However, a heated exchange between Minority and Majority MPs escalated, leading to damage to furniture and microphones in the chamber.
Describing the incident as “disgraceful and deeply regrettable,” Speaker Bagbin condemned the MPs’ behavior and warned that parliamentary privileges do not extend to disorderly conduct. He cautioned that such actions are damaging public confidence in Parliament.
To address the matter, a seven-member committee led by Emmanuel Bedzrah (Ho West) has been tasked with investigating the incident. Speaker Bagbin also directed the Clerk of Parliament to assess the extent of the damage, with those responsible potentially facing salary deductions to cover repair costs. Additionally, he suggested that the case could be referred to the police and hinted at possible reforms within the Appointments Committee.
