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03/02/2025

01/02/2025

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01/02/2025

Minority rejects suspension of three of its members over Appointments Committee choas, demands reversal of decision.

31/01/2025

FORMAL COMMUNICATION OF THE RT. HON. ALBAN SUMANA KINGSFORD BAGBIN IN RESPECT OF HAPPENINGS AT THE APPOINTMENT COMMITTEE OF PARLIAMENT
FRIDAY 31ST JANUARY 2025

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.

31/01/2025

The Purpose and Integrity of Ghana’s Appointment Committee: A Critical Look
Recent developments during the sittings of Ghana's Appointment Committee have raised questions about the true purpose of the committee and its role in the vetting process of ministerial nominees. A pattern has emerged in which some members, particularly the Minority Leader and the Ranking Member of the Appointment Committee, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, have been subjecting nominees to prolonged interrogations that appear to be more focused on past political statements than their qualifications for office.
It is clear that some of these intense questioning sessions are not centered on the competencies of the nominees but rather on past criticisms they may have leveled against the past administration. These tactics seem aimed at forcing nominees, particularly those who have been vocal in their opposition to the NPP government, to "eat humble pie" and apologize for previous remarks. A striking example of this was seen during the approval process of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah. During this session, Afenyo-Markin openly admitted that he was following orders from his party. This disclosure raises questions about the influence of political loyalty over the vetting process.
Afenyo-Markin’s statement—indicating that his side of the committee had no issues with some of the nominees—suggests that these interrogations are not impartial or focused on assessing the suitability of the individuals for their roles. Rather, they appear to be motivated by a desire for political revenge, stemming from past political disagreements.
The role of the Appointment Committee is to thoroughly vet nominees to ensure they are fit for the positions they are being considered for. According to reports, only 2% of Afenyo-Markin’s questions during the January 30th, 2025, session with Samuel Nartey George focused on his qualifications for the ministerial role, making the lengthy questioning session seem more like an exercise in political posturing than a serious inquiry into the nominee's suitability for office.
Furthermore, questions surrounding some recent happenings—such as the incident in which Sam George was slapped by a National Security operative—have raised additional concerns. Why is there no inquiry into the actions of those who made unflattering comments about the current president, then an opposition leader?
It is crucial for the health of Ghana's democracy that we move beyond petty political point-scoring and focus on the effective discharge of public duties. The appointment process should be centered on transparency, integrity, and professionalism, rather than using it as a platform for settling past political scores.

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31/01/2025

The Legacy of Jerry John Rawlings: Ghana's Revolutionary Leader
Jerry John Rawlings, one of Ghana’s most iconic leaders, played a transformative role in shaping the country's modern political landscape. Born on June 22, 1947, Rawlings rose to prominence as a military leader who became synonymous with Ghana's journey toward democratic governance, economic reform, and national unity.
Rawlings first came to power in 1979 following a military coup that overthrew the then-government. Initially, he led Ghana with a focus on eliminating corruption and addressing economic inequality. His revolution, known as the June 4th Uprising, was a response to the mismanagement and corruption within the political system, and it resonated with many Ghanaians who were eager for change. However, after briefly leading a military government, Rawlings handed over power to a civilian administration, signaling a commitment to restoring democracy.
Yet, Rawlings returned to power in 1981 after a second coup, establishing a more prolonged rule that would last for over two decades. During his time in office, Rawlings implemented a series of economic reforms that stabilized Ghana's economy, promoted industrialization, and modernized infrastructure. His government focused on reducing corruption and improving the living standards of the ordinary Ghanaian, although it was also marked by a mix of authoritarianism and progressive reforms.
Rawlings was a passionate advocate for Pan-Africanism, believing in the importance of unity and cooperation among African nations. Under his leadership, Ghana became a strong voice for African empowerment, with Rawlings playing an influential role in various regional organizations such as the Organization of African Unity (OAU). His vision for Africa was one of political and economic integration, seeking to free the continent from the shackles of colonialism and imperialism.
In 1992, Ghana transitioned into a full democracy, with Rawlings becoming the first president of the Fourth Republic. He served two terms as president from 1993 to 2001, overseeing significant democratic consolidation and continuing his focus on economic reforms. Although Rawlings’ presidency ended in 2001, his legacy remains deeply intertwined with Ghana’s political and economic development.
Today, Jerry John Rawlings is remembered both as a revolutionary and a statesman who reshaped Ghana’s future and left an enduring impact on Africa’s political landscape. His vision for an independent, united, and prosperous Africa continues to inspire generations.

31/01/2025

The Visionary Legacy of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah
Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President, was not just a leader of his nation, but a trailblazer whose impact resonated across Africa. Known as one of the most influential figures in the Pan-African movement, Nkrumah's leadership and vision shaped Ghana’s fight for independence and laid the foundation for future African liberation efforts. In 1957, Ghana became the first African country to achieve independence from colonial rule, a momentous milestone that ignited a wave of decolonization across the continent.
Beyond political independence, Nkrumah believed in the economic and social empowerment of Africa. His vision was of an Africa that was self-reliant, united, and free from the dominance of foreign powers. Under his leadership, Ghana undertook ambitious industrialization projects and made significant strides in education and infrastructure. Nkrumah’s policies aimed to create a robust economy, one that could support the aspirations of a liberated people. He also promoted the development of pan-African ideals, advocating for the unity of African nations to create a strong, united front against imperialism and colonialism.
His founding role in the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963 demonstrated his commitment to African unity. Nkrumah envisioned a continent where economic and political integration could enable Africa to assert itself on the global stage.
Though his presidency ended in 1966, his ideas remain deeply influential. Nkrumah’s Pan-African dream of an economically independent and politically united Africa continues to inspire movements for African unity and empowerment. His legacy lives on as a beacon for anyone fighting for justice, unity, and the progress of Africa.