Speaker Bagbin Suspends Four MPs Over Appointments Committee Chaos

The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has suspended four MPs. This follows a chaotic confrontation at the Appointments Committee hearing on January 31, 2025. The incident disrupted the public hearing and caused property damage.

The suspended MPs are Rockson-Nelson Etse Kwame Dafeamakpor, Frank Annor-Dompreh, Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli, and Jerry Ahmed Shaib. The suspension was announced in a statement on January 31, 2025. It aims to restore discipline and uphold the integrity of Ghana’s legislature.

These four MPs cannot participate in parliamentary proceedings for two weeks. During this time, Deputy Whips from both sides will take over their duties. A seven-member Special Committee will investigate the incident and report within ten days.

Hon. Emmanuel Bedzrah chairs this committee. They will recommend disciplinary actions against any culpable MPs. The Clerk of Parliament will assess the damage to property caused during the incident.

Any MP found responsible will be surcharged for repairs through salary deductions. A formal complaint will be filed with the Ghana Police Service for a criminal investigation into the matter.

Additionally, the Speaker has ordered an urgent meeting of the Committee of Selection to reconstitute the Appointments Committee and review its Standing Orders.