In a recent statement, the Minority Caucus in Ghana’s Parliament has strongly criticized the suspension of three Members of Parliament from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) by Speaker Alban S.K. Bagbin. Labeling the suspension as an overreach of parliamentary authority and an instance of selective justice, the Caucus emphasizes the need for a just and impartial approach to parliamentary proceedings.

Suspended MPs

The suspended MPs — Frank Annoh-Dompreh, Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli, and Jerry Ahmed Shaib — faced consequences following a violent incident during the sittings of the Appointments Committee. Alongside Majority Chief Whip Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor, the MPs were accused of disrupting proceedings, leading to property damage.

Actions stemmed from rising discontent

The Minority Caucus asserted that these actions stemmed from rising discontent over perceived procedural unfairness, contending that the Majority has often pursued decisions without fostering necessary dialogue. Rather than condoning disorder, they argue that parliamentary debates ought to be spirited, and the disruptions were an unintended outcome of escalating tensions.

In their statement dated January 31, 2025, the Caucus rebuked the Speaker’s ruling for failing to observe due process, citing violations of both the Standing Orders of Parliament and constitutional rights to a fair hearing. They pointed to past incidents where disciplinary action was absent, which raises concerns about the Speaker’s consistency and neutrality.

Conclusion

The Minority emphasized that Parliament should serve as a bastion of democracy rather than a mechanism for quelling dissent. They called upon the Speaker to embody the principles of fairness and impartiality, cautioning that such arbitrary decisions could set a worrying precedent for Ghana’s parliamentary democracy.

In light of these developments, the call for an equitable legislative environment resonates deeply, as adherence to democratic norms remains essential for fostering accountability and respect within the democratic framework.

Key

1. Reflect on the principles of fairness and impartiality in parliamentary proceedings.
2. Advocate for an equitable legislative environment.
3. Foster dialogue to address procedural fairness within the Parliament.
4. Engage in discussions about democracy and accountability in light of recent events.
5. Monitor the implications of the Speaker’s decisions on Ghana’s parliamentary democracy.

Author: Dennis Enyonam

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