The Minority Caucus in Ghana’s Parliament has strongly condemned the decision by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban S.K. Bagbin, to suspend three Members of Parliament (MPs) from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), describing it as an “overreach of parliamentary authority” and a case of “selective justice.”
In a press statement released on January 31, 2025, the Minority Caucus decried the suspension of Hon. Frank Annoh-Dompreh (Nsawam-Adoagyiri), Hon. Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli (Gushegu), and Hon. Jerry Ahmed Shaib (Weija-Gbawe), arguing that the Speaker’s decision was politically motivated and aimed at silencing opposition voices.
Unfair Process and Political Bias
The Minority Caucus accused the Speaker of failing to follow due process in suspending the MPs, arguing that the decision was taken unilaterally without allowing the affected members to defend themselves. They referenced Standing Orders 130 (a) and (b) and Article 19 (1) of the Constitution, which guarantee the right to a fair hearing.
“This sets a dangerous precedent,” the statement noted, adding that it signals an era where the Speaker can “arbitrarily punish Members of Parliament based on perceived disobedience, rather than adherence to parliamentary rules and fairness.”
Parliamentary Tensions and Frustrations
The statement further explained that the events leading to the MPs’ suspension were a result of deep frustrations over how the vetting of ministerial nominees was conducted. The Minority Caucus criticized the Majority side for disregarding consensus-building and attempting to “railroad decisions.”
The unfortunate incident that led to minor property damage in Parliament, according to the Minority, was not a deliberate action but rather a consequence of heightened tensions caused by perceived unfairness in the parliamentary process.
Double Standards and Inconsistencies
The Minority also accused the Speaker of double standards, citing past incidents of parliamentary chaos—such as the 2021 Speakership election, the brawl over E-Levy, and the public hearing on the nomination of Supreme Court judges on July 30, 2024—where worse incidents occurred but no suspensions were issued.
“The Speaker adopted a reconciliatory approach in those instances. Why, then, does he choose now to impose harsh and selective punishment?” the statement questioned, warning that this inconsistency undermines his credibility as a neutral arbiter.
Call for Reversal and Upholding Democratic Principles
The Minority Caucus categorically rejected the suspension and demanded an immediate reversal of the decision, arguing that failing to do so would set a precedent where the Speaker wields unchecked authority to silence dissenting voices.
“Parliament must remain a bastion of democracy, not an institution of oppression,” the statement asserted. “The Ghanaian people deserve a Parliament where all voices are heard, not one where members are punished for their commitment to due process and accountability.”
The Minority further warned that it would not sit idle while democracy is undermined by the selective application of parliamentary rules.
As tensions rise within Parliament, political analysts will be watching closely to see if the Speaker reconsiders his decision or if this dispute escalates further.
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