Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has lifted the suspension of four Members of Parliament following a passionate appeal from both the Majority and Minority Leaders.
The suspension was initially imposed on the four MPs after chaotic scenes erupted during the vetting of ministerial nominees, prompting the Speaker to take disciplinary action against the MPs involved.
During today’s proceedings, the Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who led the appeal, took full responsibility for the disturbances and pleaded with the Speaker to reconsider his decision.
“Mr Speaker, I take full responsibility as a leader on my side for all actions that took place. I, therefore, invite you, Mr Speaker, to, in light of the assurances given, consider a rescission of the decision you communicated to the House, as well as all consequential matters thereto,” the Effutu MP stated.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga in his support of the appeal called for unity and constructive engagement in parliamentary proceedings.
In his response, Speaker Bagbin stated, “They demonstrated and assured me of their total support to me and the deputy speakers to ensure that we have an efficient and an effective function in parliament in Ghana. So I am satisfied with not just the statement, but also their conduct.”
“And I will proceed to lift the suspension of the four members of parliament that I considered were involved in this disorderly conduct which amounted to contempt.”
This decision came after passionate appeals from leaders on both sides of the House, urging the Speaker to reverse the suspension to restore harmony and cooperation in Parliament.
The vetting session, which had been marred by heated exchanges and disruptions, led to the establishment of a special committee to investigate the matter.
The suspended MPs included the Chief Whips of both the Majority and Minority caucuses—Frank Annoh-Dompreh and Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor—along with Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli and Jerry Ahmed Shaib.
By: Ekow Annan/newsalertgh.com
