In the wake of Thursday’s chaotic altercation during the ministerial vetting session, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has outlined specific measures to address the fallout, including requiring MPs responsible for the violence to bear the costs of repairing or replacing damaged parliamentary property.
The violent disruption, which occurred when tensions between the Majority and Minority sides escalated into a physical confrontation, resulted in significant damage to parliamentary property, including tables and microphones. The altercation was triggered after the Majority insisted on continuing the vetting session beyond 10 PM, a decision strongly opposed by the Minority.
Chaos broke out in Parliament during the vetting process for Mintah Akandoh, the Health Minister-designate, and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Foreign Affairs Minister-designate. The Minority faction protested and insisted that the vetting session be postponed until the following… pic.twitter.com/yVLSLvT0si
— Caleb Qwofi Right (@calebeshun) January 30, 2025
As the dispute intensified, Minority MPs began dismantling tables, which caused several microphones to fall and break. The escalating tension led to police intervention to restore order and prevent further destruction. Despite attempts by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and other leaders to de-escalate the situation, the damage to equipment forced the committee to adjourn and reschedule the session.
In response to the chaos, Speaker Bagbin has implemented a series of measures to address the situation:
- Suspension of MPs Involved: Four MPs, including Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Etse Kwami Dafeamekpor and Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh, have been suspended for two weeks. This suspension bars them from participating in parliamentary sittings and activities during this period.
- Criminal Complaint to the Police: The Clerk of Parliament has been instructed to formally file a criminal complaint with the police. This will initiate a thorough investigation into the incident, with the goal of holding those responsible legally accountable.
- Reconstitution of the Appointments Committee: The Committee on Selection will reconstitute the Appointments Committee, ensuring the panel can operate effectively moving forward without bias and restoring the committee’s functionality.
- Assessment of Property Damage: A comprehensive assessment will be conducted to evaluate the extent of the damage to parliamentary property. MPs found to be responsible will be required to pay for the repair or replacement of the damaged items.
- Seven-Member Investigative Committee: A committee, chaired by Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, has been formed to investigate the events in detail. The committee has been tasked with submitting its findings and recommendations within the next 10 days.
These measures aim to address both the immediate consequences of Thursday’s disruptions and ensure that similar incidents do not recur in the future. Bagbin’s actions reflect the severity of the situation and his commitment to restoring order and discipline in Parliament.
