The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has directed the Marshal to escort the Member of Parliament for Sefwi-Wiawso, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, out of the house due to a comment deemed disrespectful.
This incident occurred during discussions on the nomination of two justices to the Supreme Court by President Akufo-Addo.
Bagbin emphasized the need for the house to consider the full complement of the Supreme Court when the Appointments Committee presents its report on the nominees for plenary consideration.
Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, however, challenged the Speaker’s comments, arguing that it was not within Bagbin’s purview to make such statements.
“I believe that as the representative of the good people of Sefwi-Wiawso, it does not lie in your mouth to remind us of the things that you said,” Dr. Afriyie remarked.
His statement was perceived as disrespectful, prompting Speaker Bagbin to order his removal from the chamber.
Furious, Bagbin responded, “This is a completely rude remark, and I can send you out of the house now in light of my authority to do so. You represent the good people of Sefwi-Wiawso, I represent the whole country. Please, Marshal, take him out of the house. I will not tolerate such disrespect.”
This decisive action underscored the Speaker’s intolerance for any form of disrespect within the parliamentary proceedings.
In the aftermath, the Majority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, apologized to the Speaker on behalf of the caucus.
“Speaker, we acknowledge the wisdom with which you have guided us, and how you have navigated us to this point. We have had moments of tension, and all that, you have shown leadership,” Annoh-Dompreh stated.
He added, “I want to, on behalf of the entire caucus and my colleagues, render my apologies to you and your office. We hope that this draws the curtains on the matter. We are very sorry, and we apologize sincerely for what happened.”
