NPP Condemns 'Autocratic' Suspension of MPs by Speaker Bagbin

Feb 3, 2025 - 17:37

Accra Ghana - 03 Feb, 2025 - Ghana's New Patriotic Party (NPP) has sharply criticized Speaker Alban Bagbin's decision to suspend three of its Members of Parliament, labeling the move as "autocratic" and a threat to democratic accountability.

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 following the chaotic scenes during the vetting of ministerial nominees on January 30.

In a strongly-worded statement, NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong accused Speaker Bagbin of flouting the Constitution and principles of natural justice. He warned that the Speaker's actions could undermine the opposition's ability to hold the government to account.

The NPP has rejected the suspensions, describing them as an attempt to "cow the Minority into submission". The party has pledged to stand with its MPs to resist what it sees as an assault on democratic norms and the rule of law.

“The Party sees this selective, and autocratic posture of the Speaker as very dangerous, with all these actions packaged to cow the Minority into submission, consequently weakening its potential to hold the government accountable.

“In this spirit, the Party wishes to state that it does not accept the decision of the Speaker to suspend its Members; which is in flagrant disregard for the Constitution of the Republic and as well as the rules of Natural Justice.

“The Party hereby reiterates its position that it stands with its eighty-eight (88) gallant Hon. Members to address all forms of repression and unfairness in the application of the rules governing Parliament and the Nation.,'' portions of the statment read.