Speaker lifts 4 MPs’ suspension after cross-party appeal

Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has revoked the suspension of four Members of Parliament following a unified appeal from both the Majority and Minority caucuses.

The lawmakers were initially suspended after a heated vetting session for ministerial nominees spiraled into chaos, prompting the Speaker to take disciplinary action.

Consequently, he lifted the suspension imposed on the four MPs, who had been found guilty of disorderly behavior deemed contemptuous.

The reversal followed earnest pleas from leaders on both sides of Parliament, urging a reconsideration of the decision in the interest of unity and cooperation within the legislature.

A Call for Reconciliation

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who led the appeal, took responsibility for the disruptions and urged the Speaker to rescind the decision. His call was reinforced by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, emphasizing the need for constructive parliamentary engagement.

The chaotic vetting session, characterized by intense exchanges and disruptions, led to the formation of a special investigative committee. In its immediate aftermath, four MPs—two from each side of the House—were suspended.

Those affected 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.