Speaker Bagbin Suspends Dafeamekpor, Annor Dompreh, Two others over Vetting Brawl

Accra, Ghana - 31 Jan, 2025 - Ghana's Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has suspended four Members of Parliament for two weeks following violent clashes that erupted during a ministerial vetting session.

The suspension is part of a broader effort to address the incident and prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Notably, Chief Whips Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor and Frank Annoh-Dompreh are among those suspended, along with Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli and Jerry Ahmed Shaib.

The clashes, which occurred on Thursday and Friday, were sparked by disagreements over the vetting process and resulted in damage to parliamentary property. Speaker Bagbin has condemned the behavior, stating that it will not be tolerated in the Parliament.

“These people are suspended from Parliament for two weeks from today,” Speaker Bagbin ruled decisively during Friday’s sitting.

In addition to the suspension, Speaker Bagbin has also announced a series of measures aimed at addressing the incident and preventing future occurrences. These include a formal complaint to the police, the reconstitution of the Appointments Committee, and an investigation into the damage caused to parliamentary property.

Member of Parliament for Ho, Bedzrah Emma Kwasi will chair the 7-Member Parliamentary Committee to investigate the chaos.

Below are the measures by Speaker Bagbin aimed at addressing the situation

1. Suspension of MPs Involved: The two-week suspension is intended to serve as a disciplinary action against those directly involved in the altercations. The suspended members are barred from participating in parliamentary sittings and activities during this period.

2. Criminal Complaint to the Police: The Clerk of Parliament has been directed to formally lodge a criminal complaint with the police. This will pave the way for a full investigation into the incidents, ensuring that those found culpable face legal consequences.

3. Reconstitution of the Appointments Committee: The Committee of Selection has been instructed to reconstitute the Appointments Committee. This move is aimed at restoring trust and ensuring that the Committee operates effectively and without bias.

4. Assessment of Property Damage: The Clerk of Parliament has also been tasked with conducting a comprehensive assessment of the damage caused to parliamentary property during the confrontations. MPs found responsible for the destruction will be surcharged to cover the costs of repairs or replacements.

5. Seven-Member Investigative Committee: A seven-member committee, chaired by Emmanuel Bedzrah, has been established to investigate the incidents in detail.

The committee has been given a 10-day deadline to submit its findings and recommendations for further action.

Source: Lead News Online