The Speaker of Ghana's Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has stated that he will not be swayed by any caucus in the House, as he continues to discharge his responsibilities based on what he considers right and in the national interest. This assertion comes after the Minority Caucus, led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, walked out of the Chamber on Tuesday in protest against the Speaker's decision to order Samuel Abu Jinapor, the MP for Damongo, out of the House.
The walkout was a response to the Speaker's directive to Mr. Jinapor, following a disagreement over allegations that Ghanaian diplomatic passports were being sold for amounts ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. Mr. Jinapor, the Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, claimed there was "unimpeachable evidence" of the alleged sale of passports and called for the matter to be investigated. He argued that the practice required urgent attention due to its potential implications for Ghana's international standing.
However, the Majority Leader, James Agalga, objected to Mr. Jinapor's statement, citing that it constituted a serious allegation of criminal conduct that required substantiation. Mr. Agalga urged the Speaker to direct Mr. Jinapor to withdraw the allegation and have the relevant portion expunged from the parliamentary records. In response, Mr. Jinapor maintained that he had evidence to support his claim, insisting that the matter was already in the public domain.
Speaker Bagbin described the Minority's collective walkout as "completely wrong" and questioned the justification for such an action. He noted that there was no need for the Minority to defy his directive collectively, as it was only one of their members who had been ordered out of the House. The Speaker emphasized that he would continue to enforce discipline in the House, regardless of pressure from either side.
The incident has been duly captured in Parliament's official records. Speaker Bagbin explained that the Minority's sudden departure prevented him from taking further action on Mr. Jinapor's remarks, including following up with the Office of the Clerk on whether the MP's comments should be expunged from the official record. He expressed regret that the Minority members left without notice or explanation.
The Speaker reiterated that he would not be intimidated by any caucus, stating that he would do what he believes is right and in the national interest. He emphasized that his focus is on upholding the principles of parliamentary conduct and ensuring that the House functions effectively. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges in Ghana's Parliament, where tensions between the Majority and Minority sides often arise.
Key to the Speaker's stance is his commitment to enforcing discipline and upholding the rules of the House. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges that come with maintaining order and decorum in Ghana's Parliament.
Key points
- Speaker Bagbin vows to enforce discipline in Parliament without intimidation from any caucus.
- The Minority Caucus walked out of the Chamber in protest against the Speaker's decision to order Mr. Jinapor out.
- The incident involved allegations of the sale of Ghanaian diplomatic passports, which Mr. Jinapor claimed required urgent attention.
