Four MPs Suspended for Two Weeks Over vetting Chaos
Follow @eventlabgh < Parliament has taken decisive action against lawmakers involved in violent confrontations during the Appointments Committee sitting on...
Parliament has taken decisive action against lawmakers involved in violent confrontations during the Appointments Committee sitting on Thursday, January 30, suspending them for two weeks.
Speaker Alban Bagbin announced the suspension on Friday, January 31, 2025, emphasizing that the decision reflects Parliament’s firm stance against misconduct and breaches of decorum among legislators.
The clashes, which occurred on the evening of January 30 and continued into the morning of January 31, resulted in the suspension of key figures from both the Majority and Minority caucuses. Those affected include Chief Whips Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor of the Majority and Frank Annoh-Dompreh of the Minority, as well as Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli and Jerry Ahmed Shaib.
“These people are suspended from Parliament for two weeks from today,” Speaker Bagbin ruled during Friday’s sitting.
Background to the Incident
The altercations reportedly erupted from disagreements during the vetting process, where political tensions escalated into physical confrontations. Witnesses say the heated exchanges led to verbal spats, shoving, threats, and even damage to parliamentary property.
In response, Speaker Bagbin outlined several measures to address the situation and prevent future occurrences:
1. Suspension of MPs Involved: The two-week suspension is intended to serve as a disciplinary action against those directly involved in the altercations. The suspended members are barred from participating in parliamentary sittings and activities during this period.
2. Criminal Complaint to the Police: The Clerk of Parliament has been directed to formally lodge a criminal complaint with the police. This will pave the way for a full investigation into the incidents, ensuring that those found culpable face legal consequences.
3. Reconstitution of the Appointments Committee: The Committee of Selection has been instructed to reconstitute the Appointments Committee. This move is aimed at restoring trust and ensuring that the Committee operates effectively and without bias.
4. Assessment of Property Damage: The Clerk of Parliament has also been tasked with conducting a comprehensive assessment of the damage caused to parliamentary property during the confrontations. MPs found responsible for the destruction will be surcharged to cover the costs of repairs or replacements.
5. Seven-Member Investigative Committee: A seven-member committee, chaired by Emmanuel Bedzrah, has been established to investigate the incidents in detail.
Content Source: Ameyawdebrah.com