By Josephine Kekeli Amuzu
The Minority Caucus has rejected the suspension of 3 members of their party over Appointments Committee chaos and demands an immediate reversal of the decision made by the Speaker of Parliament.
On January 31, 2025, the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, announced the suspension of four Members of Parliament (MPs) from the Appointment Committee following chaotic scenes during the vetting of ministerial nominees. 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.
According to the statement released by the Minority Caucus, they expressed strong opposition to the suspensions, calling it a “blatant display of selective justice” and a threat to democratic principles.
They argued that the suspension was politically motivated and an attack on democratic principles. The Minority reportedly claimed that the events during the vetting process stemmed from frustrations over procedural unfairness and a lack of consensus-building by the Majority side.
The statement further alleged that the Speaker’s decision was inconsistent with his previous handling of similar incidents in Parliament. They referenced instances such as the controversial 2021 Speakership election and other chaotic episodes during which no punitive measures were taken against MPs involved.
They argued that Standing Orders 130(a) and (b) were not followed, and the MPs were not given an opportunity to be heard as required under Article 19(1) of Ghana’s Constitution.
They warned that this decision set a dangerous precedent where disciplinary measures could be weaponized against dissenting voices in Parliament.
Statement Below:
