The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has suspended four Members of Parliament (MPs) for two weeks, effective immediately, following a disruptive incident during Thursday’s sitting of the Appointments Committee.
The affected MPs include the Chief Whips of both the Majority and Minority caucuses, Frank Annoh-Dompreh and Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor, alongside Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli and Jerry Ahmed Shaib.
Describing the incident as “an embarrassment to the institution of Parliament,” Speaker Bagbin directed the Parliamentary Marshal to ensure the suspended MPs do not enter the chamber during the suspension period.
The suspension follows the disorder that erupted during the vetting of ministerial nominees, which significantly disrupted the committee’s work. In a strong statement, the Speaker emphasised that such behaviour was “unacceptable” and warned that any repetition of such conduct would attract further sanctions.
Expressing his disappointment, Speaker Bagbin stated that the MPs’ actions were “unbecoming of legislators” and had “brought shame to Parliament.”
He explained that the decision was necessary to restore discipline and uphold the dignity of the legislative body.
He further cautioned that additional measures could be taken should such disruptions persist, reassuring the public that Parliament would remain firm in safeguarding its integrity and ensuring smooth proceedings.
Meanwhile, before the start of today’s vetting, the Appointments Committee formally apologised for the disorderly conduct witnessed during the previous session.
