The Minority in Parliament has condemned Speaker Alban Bagbin for suspending three of their members from parliamentary proceedings for two weeks, effective January 31, 2025.
The suspension follows violent clashes at the Appointments Committee on the evening of January 30, 2025, during the vetting of Kwabena Mintah Akandoh and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
The affected Minority members include Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh, Second Minority Whip Jerry Ahmed Shaib, and Gushegu MP Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli. Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor was also suspended.
In a statement released on Saturday, February 1, the Minority Caucus strongly opposed the Speaker’s decision, calling it 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. This unjustifiable action 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 stated.
They further stressed the need for Parliament to uphold democratic principles and ensure fairness in its proceedings.
Read the full statement below: