The Member of Parliament for Walewale, Dr Kabiru Tiah Mahama, has apologized to Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin and the House for describing the Speaker's decision to recall Parliament as "rude". This apology was rendered during Parliament's emergency sitting on Tuesday, September 29. Dr Mahama admitted using the expression during a press conference but claimed he had misunderstood its meaning.
The incident occurred after Mr Bagbin rebuked Dr Tiah Mahama over comments he made about the recall during a press engagement. The Speaker acknowledged that MPs had the right to criticize his decisions but stressed that such criticism must be expressed in a manner that respects the dignity of Parliament and the office of the Speaker. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of Ghana's democratic institutions.
Mr Bagbin explained that the recall was undertaken in accordance with Order 58(4) of Parliament's Standing Orders, following a request by President John Dramani Mahama for the House to consider specific urgent matters. He noted that lawmakers were entitled to question decisions and challenge procedures they considered inappropriate. However, they had a responsibility to protect the integrity of the institutions underpinning Ghana's democracy.
The Speaker directed Dr Tiah Mahama to withdraw the word "rude" and apologize to both the House and the Speaker's office. In response, Dr Tiah Mahama admitted using the expression but said he had misunderstood its meaning. He stated that his dictionary defined "rude" as sadly and unpleasantly, but he was wrong and therefore withdrew the word unreservedly.
The exchange formed part of Mr Bagbin's broader appeal for responsible public discourse. The Speaker urged political actors to communicate their disagreements without resorting to insults or language that disrespects public institutions. This appeal comes at a time when Ghana's democratic institutions are under scrutiny.
Dr Tiah Mahama's apology was part of a larger discussion on the importance of maintaining the dignity of Parliament and the office of the Speaker. The incident highlights the challenges of balancing the right to criticize with the need to maintain respect for democratic institutions. The Walewale MP's withdrawal of his remark and apology was seen as a positive step towards maintaining this balance.
The incident has sparked a wider conversation about the tone and tenor of public discourse in Ghana. Key stakeholders, including politicians and civil society organizations, are calling for more responsible communication and a focus on issue-based discussions. This conversation is expected to continue in the coming weeks and months.
Key points
- Walewale MP Dr Kabiru Tiah Mahama apologizes to Speaker Alban Bagbin and Parliament for describing the Speaker's decision as "rude".
- The apology was part of a larger discussion on maintaining the dignity of Parliament and the office of the Speaker.
- The incident highlights the challenges of balancing the right to criticize with the need to maintain respect for democratic institutions.
