peaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has issued a stern warning to Members of Parliament (MPs), vowing to enforce strict discipline and curb disorderly conduct during parliamentary proceedings.
Addressing the House on Tuesday, November 11, Mr. Bagbin said Parliament had reached a stage where firm measures were necessary to preserve its dignity and uphold democratic principles.
“I want to assure all of you that I will come back on this issue of decency, discipline and decorum. And this time, I’m coming with the hammer and not the gavel,” he cautioned.
His remarks followed a heated exchange between the Majority and Minority Leaders during the vetting of Chief Justice nominee, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie.
The confrontation erupted when Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin described the nominee as a “disputed nominee.”
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga objected to the remark, describing it as inappropriate and potentially disrespectful to the Judiciary. However, Mr. Afenyo-Markin stood his ground, insisting that the Majority was attempting to suppress legitimate scrutiny.
Responding to the standoff, Speaker Bagbin stressed Parliament’s responsibility to maintain mutual respect among the arms of government.
“As Speaker, I wish to reaffirm Parliament’s unwavering respect for the Judiciary as a coequal arm of government under Article 125, Clause 1 of the 1992 Constitution, which vests the judicial power of Ghana in the Judiciary,” he declared.
He added, “The doctrine of separation of powers requires that all three arms of government relate to one another with mutual respect and restraint.”
Mr. Bagbin further directed the Appointments Committee to ensure that all future vettings are conducted with professionalism and “the highest standards of civility, objectivity, and institutional respect.”
Reiterating Parliament’s regard for the Judiciary, he said, “Honourable Members, on your behalf, I extend our deepest apologies and assurances of Parliament’s continued respect for the Judiciary and its team members.”
He concluded by reaffirming Parliament’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Judiciary in the interest of the Ghanaian people and the protection of constitutional democracy.
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