The Member of Parliament (MP) for Sefwi-Wiawso, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, informed the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, that it was not his responsibility to remind lawmakers about the standing orders, specifically regarding the nominations made to the Supreme Court. This statement angered the speaker, leading him to escort the MP out of the Chamber.
The Speaker instructed the Marshall of Parliament to remove the lawmaker after the New Patriotic Party (NPP) member challenged the speaker’s authority to allow preliminary comments on the referral of nominees to the Supreme Court on Monday, July 22.
In response to the nominees’ referral, the speaker mentioned, “Please, you have to apply for the new standing orders in this matter, but by providing you with the information, I have given you an idea of the expectations of the people of Ghana. It is for you to consider as part of the report, and it is for the House to decide whether we will approve or disapprove those nominations. His Excellency clearly stated that he is constitutionally mandated to do what has been done, and it is not for you to question.”
Following this statement, Dr. Afriyie stood up and remarked, “Mr. Speaker, with all due respect to your chair, this preliminary statement you are making is prejudicial. I believe that as a representative of the good people of Sefwi-Wiaso, it is not your place to remind us of the things you have said. Thank you.”
In response to Dr. Afriyie’s comments, Speaker Bagbin expressed, “This is a completely disrespectful remark, and I have the authority to remove you from the House. You represent the good people of Sefwi-Wiawso, while I represent the entire country. Marshall, please escort him out of the house. I will not tolerate such disrespect.”
The incident highlighted a clash of opinions and authority within the parliamentary setting, underscoring the importance of respectful communication and adherence to parliamentary procedures for effective governance and decision-making.
