By Valentia Tetteh
The Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Alban Bagbin, has suspended four Members of Parliament (MPs) for two weeks following a chaotic altercation during Thursday’s (January 30, 2025) sitting of the Appointments Committee.
The suspended MPs include the Majority Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, MP for Gushegu, Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli and 2nd Deputy Minority Whip, Jerry Ahmed Shaib.
In addition to the suspensions, Speaker Bagbin has established a special committee to investigate the incident, which he described as an embarrassment to Parliament. He has also directed the Parliamentary Marshal to enforce the suspension, barring the affected MPs from entering the chamber during the two-week period.
The decision follows disruptions during the vetting of ministerial nominees, which stalled proceedings and led to heated exchanges among committee members.
Expressing disappointment over the conduct of the suspended MPs, Speaker Bagbin emphasised that such behaviour was unbecoming of lawmakers and had brought Parliament into disrepute.
“This institution must uphold order and discipline. The actions of these MPs have undermined the dignity of Parliament, and such behaviour will not be tolerated,” he warned.
He further indicated that should similar incidents occur in the future, more severe disciplinary measures could be imposed.
