Noise and disruption, according to Hon. Sanja Nanja, have become the hallmark of the Minority in Parliament, as the leadership of Alexander Afenyo-Markin struggles to maintain the decorum expected of his office. The Atebubu-Amantin MP has expressed concern that the Minority Leader’s recent conduct shows disrespect toward both the public and the institution of Parliament.
Speaking on Adekyee Mu Nsem, the morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra, Hon. Nanja, who is also a member of Parliament’s Constitutional and Legal Committee, said that while Afenyo-Markin enjoys the privileges accorded to parliamentary leaders, his actions are increasingly overstretching those privileges.
He urged the Minority Leader to respect directives from the Appointments Committee and avoid behavior that could erode public trust in Parliament. “His actions are bringing dishonor to the institution of Parliament and must be taken seriously,” Hon. Nanja stressed.
Commenting on Mr. Afenyo-Markin’s recent appearance at the ECOWAS Parliament, Hon. Nanja described it as “unfortunate,” arguing that the Minority Leader failed to follow the proper protocols and procedures. He explained that since parliamentary representation changes after each election cycle, Afenyo-Markin’s role in the previous ECOWAS Parliament — as Deputy Majority Leader — no longer applies under his current portfolio as Minority Leader.
“There is a need for him to respect the authority of the Parliament of Ghana,” Hon. Nanja said, adding that his actions have brought embarrassment to the House.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has vowed to restore order and discipline in the House following the chaotic scenes that marred the vetting of Chief Justice nominee, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie.
Tensions flared during the vetting session on Monday, November 10, between Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga. The altercation began when Mr. Ayariga objected to Afenyo-Markin’s attempt to make opening remarks, arguing that the issue had already been addressed through a parliamentary motion he had filed.
Earlier, Mr. Afenyo-Markin had referred to Justice Baffoe-Bonnie as a “disputed Chief Justice nominee,” a comment that drew sharp objection from the Majority Leader. Mr. Ayariga insisted that the vetting was not a courtroom proceeding and demanded that the Minority Leader retract his statement and apologize.
In response, Mr. Afenyo-Markin accused Mr. Ayariga of acting in bad faith and attempting to suppress the Minority’s right to freely express its views. He also criticized the circumstances surrounding the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, describing them as “opaque,” which further escalated tensions.
Addressing the House on Tuesday, November 11, Speaker Bagbin described the conduct of some MPs as “below parliamentary standards” and warned that he would enforce strict discipline going forward.
“I will come back on this issue of decency, discipline, and decorum — and this time, I am coming with the hammer, not the gavel,” he cautioned.
He reminded members that the Standing Orders of Parliament prohibit the use of offensive language or imputing improper motives, and urged MPs to uphold civility and respect during proceedings.
“The Standing Orders serve as a reminder that our proceedings must always reflect the dignity and integrity of Parliament as a key organ of state,” he stated.
Speaker Bagbin reaffirmed Parliament’s respect for the judiciary as a coequal arm of government under Article 125(1) of the 1992 Constitution, emphasizing the need for mutual respect among the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary in accordance with the doctrine of separation of powers.
He said he had directed the leadership of the Appointments Committee to ensure that future vetting sessions are conducted with the highest levels of civility, objectivity, and institutional respect.
“Parliament cherishes the longstanding cooperation and mutual regard between our institutions. We must remain committed to strengthening that relationship in the collective service of the people of Ghana and our constitutional democracy,” he added.
Mr. Bagbin also extended Parliament’s apologies to the judiciary over the recent tensions, assuring that the legislature remains committed to preserving harmony between the two arms of government.
Hon. Sanja Nanja further commended the NDC government under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, describing its performance as “creditable,” particularly in the areas of economic stability, agriculture, and fiscal discipline.
He noted that the exchange rate between the cedi and the dollar has stabilized under the government’s economic management policies and expressed optimism that the 2025/2026 Budget will bring “economic relief and a clear roadmap” for national development.
“The policies introduced over the past 11 months have laid a strong foundation for growth and stability,” he concluded.