The Minority group in Parliament has criticised the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, for suspending three members of their caucus from parliamentary proceedings for two weeks, effective January 31, 2025.
Their suspension of the MPs follows violent confrontations at the Appointments Committee on Thursday evening of January 30, 2025, over the vetting of Kwabena Mintah Akandoh and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
These members are Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, the second minority whip and Member of Parliament for Gushegu, Alhassan Sulemana Tampulo.
The Majority Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor was also suspended alongside the three.
In a statement released on Saturday, February 1, the Minority Caucus strongly opposed the Speaker’s decision, describing it as politically motivated and an abuse of power.
“We categorically reject the suspension of three MPs and demand an immediate reversal of this politically charged decision. If this unjustifiable action, it will set a precedent where the Speaker becomes an unchecked authority, weaponising disciplinary measures against those who do not align with his preferred political narratives.”
The Minority Caucus further asserted that Parliament must uphold democratic principles and ensure fairness in its proceedings.
“Parliament must remain a bastion of democracy, not an institution of oppression. The Ghanian people deserve a Parliament where all voices are heard, not one where members are punished for their commitment due to process and accountability,” parts of the statement read.
