Speaker sets up 7-member C’ttee to probe ministerial vetting chaos

In a formal statement made to the House on the 31st of January 2025, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana, expressed his profound disappointment and concern regarding the violent confrontations that marred the recent sittings of the Appointments Committee on the 30th and 31st of January 2025. Bagbin’s address, laced with “righteous anger” and regret, was delivered in response to media reports and public outrage surrounding the chaos that unfolded in Parliament, which has drawn widespread condemnation.

The Speaker began his statement by noting that the happenings at the Appointments Committee hearings were not only a direct affront to the dignity of the Parliament but had also caused grave damage to the trust the people of Ghana place in their elected officials. According to Bagbin, the public’s reaction to the incident was “apt and understandable,” as what was expected to be a routine, dignified parliamentary process had descended into a “disgraceful” display of “chaos and lawlessness.”

He emphasized that such behavior is utterly unacceptable and represents a stark violation of the standards Parliament must uphold. “Parliament is meant to be the foremost institution of democracy, tasked with upholding integrity, good governance, and selfless public service,” Bagbin remarked. The Speaker was particularly alarmed that this was the third such incident within a span of three years, suggesting a pattern of unruly conduct that undermines the credibility of the House.

The Speaker also voiced his shock at the involvement of senior members of Parliament and those in leadership positions. Bagbin described it as deeply troubling that individuals entrusted with leadership roles would be involved in physical altercations in a setting that demands emotional intelligence and maturity. The involvement of such figures, he said, raises serious concerns about their commitment to the values Parliament should represent.

With Parliament’s reputation on the line, Bagbin took immediate action, announcing a series of emergency measures designed to address the misconduct and restore discipline within the institution:

1. Special Investigative Committee: A seven-member special committee was constituted to investigate the events of the 30th and 31st January. The committee, chaired by Hon. Emmanuel Bedzrah, was tasked with identifying those responsible for the disorder and submitting a report with recommendations within ten days.

2. Damage Assessment: In line with the Parliamentary Service Act, a full assessment of the damage to the committee room and parliamentary precincts was ordered. Members found responsible for the damage would be surcharged for repairs, with the costs deducted from their emoluments if necessary.

3. Criminal Investigation: The Speaker directed the Clerk to Parliament to formally lodge a complaint with the Ghana Police Service, calling for a full criminal investigation into the misconduct that transpired.

4. Reconstitution of the Appointments Committee: An urgent meeting of the Committee of Selection was called to reconstitute the Appointments Committee and reassess the rules for evaluating nominees, in light of the recent events.

5. Suspension of Members: In a decisive move, Bagbin announced the suspension of four members involved in the altercation: Mr. Rockson Nelson Etse Kwame Dafeamakpor, Mr. Frank Annor-Dompreh, Mr. Alhassan Sulemana Tampuuli, and Mr. Jerry Ahmed Shaib. These members were suspended for two weeks with immediate effect.

Addressing the members, Bagbin emphasized the importance of discipline and responsibility. “The actions of some Members have brought disrepute to this House and undermined the democratic values we have sworn to uphold,” he stated. He also apologized to the Ghanaian people for the national embarrassment caused by the incident and reiterated his commitment to restoring the dignity of Parliament.

In conclusion, Bagbin called on all members to reflect on their conduct and reaffirmed the need for a Parliament that embodies leadership, integrity, and discipline. “The people of Ghana deserve a Parliament that exemplifies democracy and responsible leadership,” he affirmed. The Speaker’s message was clear: such behavior must never be allowed to repeat itself, and urgent steps must be taken to restore the House’s credibility.

This formal communication by the Speaker underscores the severity of the situation and the commitment of the leadership to address parliamentary misconduct decisively. It also serves as a stark reminder to members of Parliament that they hold their positions in trust for the people, and their actions must always reflect the dignity of the institution they serve.