By Franklin Asare-Donkoh
The executives of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) have labeled the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin’s, decision to suspend three of its Members of Parliament (MPs) was dangerous and autocratic.
The NPP Leadership also accused Speaker Bagbin of attempting to intimidate the Minority into submission, thereby weakening its capacity to effectively hold the government accountable.
In a statement released on February 3, 2025, and signed by the NPP General Secretary, Mr. Justin Kodua Frimpong expressed solidarity with the Minority caucus, accusing the Speaker of disregarding constitutional provisions and violating principles of natural justice.
According to him, the national leadership of the party has reaffirmed its support for the Minority and pledged to stand by them in efforts to challenge what it described as unjust and undemocratic decisions.
“The Party sees this selective, and autocratic posture of the Speaker as very dangerous, with all these actions packaged to cow the Minority into submission, consequently weakening its potential to hold the government accountable.
In this spirit, the Party wishes to state that it does not accept the decision of the Speaker to suspend its Members; which is in flagrant disregard for the Constitution of the Republic and as well as the rules of Natural Justice.
The Party hereby reiterates its position that it stands with its eighty-eight (88) gallant Hon. Members to address all forms of repression and unfairness in the application of the rules governing Parliament and the Nation,” portions of the statement read
The suspension of the three NPP MPs, which also involved one MP from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), followed chaotic scenes during the vetting of ministerial nominees on Thursday, January 30, 2025.
Below is the official press release
