The MPs had appeared in red and black as part of a protest against the suspension of three colleagues—Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh, Second Minority Whip Jerry Ahmed Shaib, and Gushegu MP Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli. Also suspended was Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor.
Earlier in the day, the protesting MPs marched to the chamber entrance, demanding entry after reports suggested that Majority MPs had been allowed inside. However, security personnel had erected a barricade, preventing them from accessing the chamber.
The two-week suspension of the four lawmakers stems from violent clashes that erupted during the vetting of MPs Kwabena Mintah Akandoh and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa at the Appointments Committee on January 30, 2025. Speaker Alban Bagbin enforced the disciplinary measure, which took effect on January 31.
The security presence and restrictions on entry heightened tensions in Parliament, with the Minority Caucus strongly condemning the Speaker’s decision. Majority leadership has remained largely silent on the matter, though Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has indicated that discussions with the Speaker are ongoing.
