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The Minority in Parliament has strongly opposed Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision to suspend three of its members from parliamentary proceedings for two weeks, effective January 31, 2025.
The suspension follows violent confrontations at the Appointments Committee hearing on January 30, 2025, during the vetting of Kwabena Mintah Akandoh and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
The affected MPs include Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, Second Minority Whip Jerry Ahmed Shaib, and Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli, MP for Gushegu. Additionally, Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor was also suspended.
Minority Describes Decision as Politically Motivated
In a statement issued on Saturday, February 1, 2025, the Minority Caucus denounced the Speaker’s decision, arguing that it was an abuse of power driven by political motives.
“We categorically reject the suspension of three MPs and demand an immediate reversal of this politically charged decision. If this unjustifiable action stands, it will set a precedent where the Speaker becomes an unchecked authority, weaponising disciplinary measures against those who do not align with his preferred political narratives.”
Call for Democratic Fairness in Parliament
The Minority further emphasized the need to uphold democratic principles in Parliament, warning against any attempts to silence dissenting voices.
“Parliament must remain a bastion of democracy, not an institution of oppression. The Ghanaian people deserve a Parliament where all voices are heard, not one where members are punished for their commitment to due process and accountability,” the statement added.
The Minority Caucus has, therefore, called on Speaker Bagbin to reconsider his decision and ensure fairness in the handling of disciplinary matters within Parliament.