Minority Slams Speaker Bagbin's 'Politically Charged Decision' to Suspend MPs

Feb 1, 2025 - 14:10

Alexander Afenyo-Markin is the Minority Leader in Ghana's Parliament.

Accra, Ghana - 01 Feb, 2025 - A decision by the Speaker of Ghana's Parliament, Alban Bagbin, to suspend three opposition lawmakers has been met wth strong opposition by the Minoriy Caucus who has vehemently condemned the move, describing it as a "politically motivated" and "abuse of power".

The suspensions, which took effect on January 31, 2025, were handed down after violent clashes erupted at the Appointments Committee during the vetting of two ministers-designate. The Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, and Alhassan Sulemana Tampulo were the lawmakers suspended.

In addition to the three minority MPs, the Majority Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, also faced suspension.

In a strongly-worded statement, the Minority Caucus demanded the immediate reversal of the suspensions, warning that the Speaker's actions could set a dangerous precedent for silencing dissenting voices in Parliament.

The opposition lawmakers emphasized that Parliament must remain a bastion of democracy, where all voices are heard, and not an institution of oppression.

“We categorically reject the suspension of three MPs and demand an immediate reversal of this politically charged decision. If this unjustifiable action, it will set a precedent where the Speaker becomes an unchecked authority, weaponising disciplinary measures against those who do not align with his preferred political narratives.”

“Parliament must remain a bastion of democracy, not an institution of oppression. The Ghanian people deserve a Parliament where all voices are heard, not one where members are punished for their commitment due to process and accountability,” portions of the statement read.