1. Members, in furtherance of the powers conferred on me by the Constitution, 1992, the Parliament Act, 1965, Act 300, the Standing Orders of Parliament, and the Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament of Ghana, I make this statement with a heavy heart and “righteous anger”. I am so shocked and scandalized at what I saw and heard through various media outlets, happened at the sittings of the Appointments Committee yesterday, 30th of January 2025 and this morning. Today, I read the views and reports of our brothers and sisters of the media as to what took place at the said sittings of the Committee. The outrage of the public and the people we represent and serve is apt and understandable.
2. What should have been a solemn exercise in parliamentary scrutiny degenerated into an appalling display of chaos and lawlessness, bringing this House into disrepute before the entire world. What transpired was not just a gross affront to the dignity of Parliament but also a blatant contempt of the House. This further aggravates the already existing low level of trust of Parliament and Parliamentarians.
3. I have the unfortunate burden of responding to the disgraceful and deeply regrettable events that unfolded during the Appointments Committee.
4. Such behaviour is utterly unacceptable and a direct affront to the dignity of this House. The actions of those involved have sullied the image of Parliament and also betrayed the trust of the Ghanaian people, whose expectations of leadership, decorum, and responsible conduct have been callously disregarded.
5. The Parliament of Ghana is expected to stand as the foremost institution of democracy, entrusted with the solemn duty of upholding the principles of good governance, integrity, and selfless public service. Yet, the events that transpired during the Appointments Committee hearing yesterday have gravely undermined these ideals.
6. These incidents represent a new low in parliamentary conduct and is particularly egregious given its timing and recurrence. It is unconscionable that Members who are supposed to be leaders elected to serve as representatives of the people, would engage in violent confrontations in a setting that demands the highest levels of maturity, emotional intelligence, and statesmanship.
7. It is deeply troubling that this is the third time in as many years that such an incident has occurred within the precincts of Parliament. Each time, public outrage has been met with empty apologies and no real change in conduct. This House must acknowledge that it is rapidly eroding public confidence in Ghana’s democracy and that such conduct, if not decisively addressed, will have grave consequences for the credibility of Parliament and the future of democracy in our dear nation .
8. Even more alarming is the involvement of some senior members of the House and members in leadership, individuals who ought to embody the principles of leadership and discipline. Their participation in this deplorable spectacle raises serious questions about their fitness to lead and their commitment to upholding the values of Parliament. If Members cannot engage in robust debate without resorting to physical aggression, then they are unfit to discharge the mandate bestowed upon them by the people of Ghana.
9. Parliamentary privilege does not and will never extend to lawlessness. The Rules of Parliament exist to guide conduct, and Members are duty-bound to uphold them. Ghanaian citizens deserve a Parliament that exemplifies discipline, intelligence, and the pursuit of national progress, not one that degenerates into a battleground at the slightest disagreement.
10. The international community is watching. As Speaker, I have received numerous calls from concerned citizens, civil society organisations, and parliamentary counterparts across the world, all lamenting the disgraceful conduct of Members of this House.
11. This unfortunate development is a direct contradiction of the repeated admonitions I have issued to Members. I have consistently reminded this House that respect is earned, not demanded. The manner in which Members conduct themselves determines the extent to which they command the respect of the Ghanaian people. Yet, despite these admonitions, some Members continue to act in a way that dishonours this House and its traditions. This must stop. Parliament cannot continue to excuse misconduct under the guise of political disagreement.
12. Consequently, the following emergency measures are to be taken with dispatch:
(a) In the circumstances of the absence of a Privileges and Immunity Committee, a seven-member special committee shall be constituted under Orders 5 and 20 rule 4 to conduct a full-scale investigation into the events of yesterday and this morning. The committee shall identify all Members involved in the disorder and submit its report with findings and recommendations within 10 days from today. Any Member found culpable shall face the appropriate disciplinary measures as prescribed by the Constitution, 1992, the Parliament Act of 1965, and the Standing Orders of Parliament. The following members shall constitute the membership of the Special Committee;
¡ Hon Emmanuel Bedzrah – Chairman
¡¡ Hon Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi
¡¡¡ Hon Gizella Akushika Tetteh- Agbotui (Mrs)
¡v Hon Abena Osei Asare (Mrs)
v Hon Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings (Dr)
v¡ Hon Vincent Oppong Asamoah and
v¡¡ Hon Bede Anwataazuma Ziedeng.
(b) In pursuant of section 10 of the Parliamentary Service Act, 1993, Act 460, I directed the Clerk to Parliament to cause to be undertake a full assessment of all damage caused within the committee room and parliamentary precincts as a result of the misconduct of the members. Not a single pesewa of public funds shall be used to repair or replace any damaged property. Instead, Members found responsible shall be surcharged for the full cost of repairs and replacement, with deductions made from their emoluments including the salaries of members, if necessary.
(c) In pursuance of the provisions of the Constitution, 1992, and the Standing Orders of Parliament, I further direct the Clerk to Parliament to formally lodge a complaint with the Ghana Police Service to conduct a full criminal investigation into the matter for appropriate action.
(d) I call for an immediate meeting of the Committee of Selection today, to reconstitute the Appointments Committee as a matter of urgency and to set up the Standing Orders Committee to reconsider a revision of the rules for the assessment of nominees for the consideration and approval by the House.
(e) I draw the attention of Members to the sanctions provided for in the Parliament Act and the Standing Orders of Parliament in the event of a breach of privilege or contempt of Parliament under Orders 34(2) and 36. Also see Article 123 of the Constitution, 1992.
13 Let there be no doubt, Parliament’s credibility has been seriously undermined, and urgent punitive action has to be taken, since this was done contemptus Parlamenti in facie parlamenti. Consequently, the following members are suspended from the sittings of Parliament for two weeks from today. They are;
Mr Rockson Nelson Etse Kwame Dafeamakpor
Mr Frank Annor-Dompreh
Mr Alhassan Sulemana Tampuuli and
Mr Jerry Ahmed Shaib.
In the meantime, a Deputy Whip from each side of the political divide are hereby directed to act in stead.
15 As Speaker, I reaffirm my commitment to restoring the dignity of this House. The people of Ghana deserve a Parliament that exemplifies leadership, integrity, and discipline. Members must reflect deeply on their conduct and be reminded that they hold their seats in trust for the people. The events of 30th January 2025 and this morning must not be repeated.
CONCLUSION
16 I am deeply disappointed by the conduct of Members involved in this shameful episode. Their actions have brought disrepute to Parliament and undermined the democratic values we have sworn to uphold. I wish to extend my sincere apologies to the Ghanaian people for this national embarrassment and assure them that this House will not allow such an incident to recur. Parliament must and will do better. I call on all Members to reflect on their actions, uphold the dignity of this institution, and recommit themselves to the principles of democracy and responsible leadership.
Thank you.
