Speaker suspends 4 MPs over ministerial vetting chaos

Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has appointed a seven-member committee to investigate the disorder and chaotic scenes that broke out during the vetting session on Thursday, January 30. According to the Speaker, the Appointments Committee will be reconstituted. 

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Friday, January 31, Bagbin stated that any MPs found responsible for the disturbance will face appropriate disciplinary measures. The committee will be led by Ho West MP, Emmanuel Bedzrah.

“Those found guilty will be held accountable for the cost of repairs, with salary deductions if necessary,” Bagbin added.

He also announced the two-week suspension of four Members of Parliament—Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, Alhassan Tampuli, and Jerry Ahmed Shaib—from Parliament sittings.

The chaos unfolded during the Appointments Committee’s meeting on Thursday, January 30, when Minority and Majority members clashed over the timing of the vetting process. Opposition lawmakers had called for the vetting of Health Minister-designate Kwabena Akandoh and Foreign Affairs Minister-designate Okudzeto Ablakwa to be rescheduled to Friday, January 31.

The seven-member committee, led by Ho West MP, Emmanuel Bedzrah, has been formed to identify those responsible for the disruptions during the vetting of ministerial nominees and recommend appropriate actions.

The committee members are:

1. Hon. Emmanuel Bedzrah (Chairman)

2. Hon. Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi

3. Hon. Gizella Akushika Tetteh-Agbotui (Mrs.)

4. Hon. Abena Osei Asare (Mrs.)

5. Hon. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings (Dr.)

6. Hon Vincent Oppong Asamoah

7. Hon. Bede Anwataazuma Ziedeng

Speaker Bagbin has instructed the Parliamentary Marshal to prevent the suspended MPs from entering the chamber during this period. This decision follows the disorder that unfolded during the vetting of ministerial nominees, which severely disrupted the committee’s work. Tables and microphones were damaged, and some MPs nearly resorted to physical altercations.

Speaker Bagbin condemned the behaviour, emphasizing that such actions would not be tolerated, and warned of further consequences if similar disruptions occur in the future.

In his statement, Speaker Bagbin expressed his deep disappointment in the conduct of the MPs involved, describing their actions as unbecoming of parliamentarians. He stated that the incident had shamed the legislative body and explained that the suspension was crucial to restoring order and discipline in parliamentary proceedings, which had been severely compromised.

The Speaker also hinted at the possibility of additional penalties if these disruptions persist and assured the public that Parliament would take a strong stance against any actions that could tarnish its reputation or hinder its work.

This follows an apology from the Appointments Committee at the start of today’s vetting session for the earlier incident.