Accra, Ghana — The Parliament of Ghana is once again in the spotlight following chaotic scenes on the Floor of the House on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, which have drawn widespread criticism from civil society and governance institutions. Many expected the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, to take decisive disciplinary action, but his reluctance to do so has raised concerns about growing indiscipline among lawmakers.
During the Tuesday incident, a group of Members of Parliament formed a barricade to shield the MP for Effiduase/Asokore, Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie, from being ejected by the Marshal of Parliament, following an order from the Second Deputy Speaker, Hon. Bernard Ahiafor. The move was in response to alleged misconduct on the part of Dr. Afriyie.
Addressing the matter on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, Speaker Bagbin stated that although the powers of the Speaker are extensive under Ghana’s laws and the Standing Orders of Parliament, he would refrain from using punitive measures. Instead, he called for dialogue, mutual respect, and adherence to due process.
“Hon. Members, I don’t need to talk to you about the powers of the Speaker… They are colossal, and if fully applied, will be a serious danger to the career projection of Members of Parliament,” Bagbin warned.
He stressed that the matter would not be referred to a committee, but would instead be resolved through dialogue among leadership.
However, this soft approach has drawn criticism from Parliamentary Watchers, Parliamentary Network Africa (PNAfrica) who argue that Speaker Bagbin’s repeated unwillingness to discipline MPs has only worsened the problem.
“Since the issue of chaos during the Speaker’s election in the 8th Parliament was not decisively addressed, dishonourable behavior has continued unabated — even during high-level vetting sessions before the Appointments Committee in the 9th Parliament,” noted Clement Akoloh, the Communications Officer for PNAfrica.
Despite the formation of an ad hoc committee to investigate the misconduct at the vetting sessions, the committee’s report is yet to be presented to Parliament. Reports indicate internal resistance to its publication.
Speaking at a recent stakeholder forum organized by the Parliamentary Network Africa (PNAfrica) to assess the performance of the Appointments Committee, Hon. Emmanuel Bedzrah, Chairman of the investigative ad hoc committee, revealed that some elements within Parliament are opposing the report’s presentation due to its far-reaching recommendations.
Adding to the controversy, the Minority Caucus has accused Hon. Bedzrah of bias and objected to the report’s submission.
The Majority Leader, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, weighed in during a parliamentary sitting on Wednesday, June 11, acknowledging the existence of the report and admitting that efforts were being made to “manage” its presentation due to its implications for MPs cited in it.
“Do you know the recommendations of that committee? Is it because we are being lenient and not enforcing the rules? If you want us to start enforcing the rules, we will enforce the rules,” Ayariga warned.
The Stakeholder Forum organised by the Parliamentary Network Africa is part of activities lined up to mark the organisation’s 10th Anniversary celebration. It is aimed at sustaining the advocacy to demand vetting reforms following the persistent chaos in the workings of Parliament.
With pressure mounting from civil society and the public, many are calling for Parliament to act decisively to restore discipline and safeguard the institution’s credibility and Ghana’s democratic integrity.
Source: Clement Akoloh||PNAfrica
