Politics

PNAfrica Calls for Accountability in Parliament Chaos – Urges Speaker to Act

PNAfrica Demands Strong Action to Restore Order and Uphold Parliamentary Integrity

Story Highlights
  • PNAfrica argues that ensuring accountability for the chaos will help prevent similar incidents in the future
  • The statement further emphasized that MPs should uphold the highest standards of conduct
  • Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin criticized the situation

The Parliamentary Network Africa (PNAfrica) has called on Speaker Alban Bagbin to hold those responsible for the disruption that occurred during the vetting committee sitting on January 30, 2025.

PNAfrica argues that ensuring accountability for the chaos will help prevent similar incidents in the future and preserve the integrity of parliamentary proceedings.

The organization, which advocates for parliamentary transparency, accountability, and decorum, condemned the “shameful and dishonourable” conduct displayed by some Members of Parliament (MPs) during the Appointments Committee’s vetting of the President’s ministerial nominees.

PNAfrica expressed its disappointment over the violent altercations and heckling that marred the session, describing the scenes as deeply troubling.

Such behavior, PNAfrica stated, not only discredits Parliament but also undermines public confidence in its ability to operate with the necessary professionalism and integrity.

The statement further emphasized that MPs should uphold the highest standards of conduct, acting as role models for the nation. Instead, their disgraceful actions during the vetting process eroded the principles of democratic governance and parliamentary oversight. PNAfrica also pointed out that similar disruptions had occurred during the 8th Parliament, notably during the election of the Speaker and other subsequent events. Despite PNAfrica’s petition at the time urging corrective action, the issue was never addressed.

“We, therefore, urge the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin—who is widely respected for his legislative expertise and leadership—to take swift and decisive action. Those responsible for the chaos must be held accountable to ensure that such incidents are not repeated and that parliamentary proceedings regain the dignity they deserve,” PNAfrica stated.

The unrest began during the appointments committee session on January 30, when Members of Parliament from the Minority and Majority parties clashed over the timing of the vetting process. The opposition argued that the vetting of Health Minister-designate Kwabena Akandoh and Foreign Affairs Minister-designate Okudzeto Ablakwa should be postponed until January 31, while Majority MPs insisted that the process continue that evening, escalating tensions in the chamber.

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, speaking to the media, criticized the situation, claiming that the vetting had been scheduled without prior consultation. “The Clerk to the Committee is a partisan clerk. She’s a typical NDC member, and she advertises the schedule without agreement,” he alleged. “On January 29, there was no prior meeting, but at 10:00 pm, the schedule was posted.”

 

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