Bagbin suspends Majority and Minority Chief Whips over vetting chaos

In an unprecedented move, Members of Parliament involved in the violent clashes during the Appointments Committee sitting on Thursday, January 30 have been suspended for two weeks.

The decision, announced by Speaker Alban Bagbin on Friday, January 31, 2025, intimated it is an indication of Parliament’s strong stance against misconduct and breaches of decorum among lawmakers.

The incidents in question occurred on the evening of Thursday, January 30, and the morning of Friday, January 31.

The suspension affects key figures from both caucuses, including Chief Whips Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor of the Majority and Frank Annoh-Dompreh of the Minority, alongside Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli and Jerry Ahmed Shaib.

“These people are suspended from Parliament for two weeks from today,” Speaker Bagbin ruled decisively during Friday’s sitting.

The violent altercations reportedly stemmed from disagreements during the vetting process at the Appointments Committee, where tensions over political affiliations and appointments boiled over into physical confrontations.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that the incidents involved verbal spats that escalated into shoving, threats, and damage to parliamentary property.

In response to the alarming events, Speaker Bagbin outlined a series of measures aimed at addressing the immediate fallout and preventing future occurrences.

1. Suspension of MPs Involved: The two-week suspension is intended to serve as a disciplinary action against those directly involved in the altercations. The suspended members are barred from participating in parliamentary sittings and activities during this period.

2. Criminal Complaint to the Police: The Clerk of Parliament has been directed to formally lodge a criminal complaint with the police. This will pave the way for a full investigation into the incidents, ensuring that those found culpable face legal consequences.

3. Reconstitution of the Appointments Committee: The Committee of Selection has been instructed to reconstitute the Appointments Committee. This move is aimed at restoring trust and ensuring that the Committee operates effectively and without bias.

4. Assessment of Property Damage: The Clerk of Parliament has also been tasked with conducting a comprehensive assessment of the damage caused to parliamentary property during the confrontations. MPs found responsible for the destruction will be surcharged to cover the costs of repairs or replacements.

5. Seven-Member Investigative Committee: A seven-member committee, chaired by Emmanuel Bedzrah, has been established to investigate the incidents in detail.

The committee has been given a 10-day deadline to submit its findings and recommendations for further action