In a decisive move to uphold the integrity and decorum of the legislative process, Speaker Alban S. K. Bagbin has announced the suspension of four Members of Parliament (MPs) following a chaotic and violent incident that erupted during a ministerial vetting session on January 30, 2025.
The altercation occurred late Thursday night as MPs engaged in a heated dispute over the vetting of ministerial nominees from the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC). Tensions escalated when opposition lawmakers accused their counterparts of prolonging the vetting process for political gain. The situation deteriorated into physical confrontations, resulting in significant damage to parliamentary property, including overturned tables and destroyed microphones.
Speaker Bagbin characterized the actions of the MPs as a "gross affront to the dignity of Parliament" and emphasized that such behavior undermines the principles of democratic governance. He stated, "This incident is not only a blatant contempt of the House but also reflects poorly on our commitment to civil discourse and legislative integrity."
The suspension, effective immediately for a period of two weeks, aims to serve as a stern warning against misconduct within the parliamentary ranks. Additionally, a seven-member Special Committee has been established to investigate the incident thoroughly and report its findings within ten days.
Public reaction has been mixed, with many citizens expressing support for the Speaker's decision. Comments from constituents highlight concerns about the image of Parliament and call for accountability among lawmakers. A local medical officer remarked that this suspension could set a precedent for future behavior among legislators.