Parliament’s principles, laws, and standing orders govern all proceedings within the house of laws. The Speaker of the House upholds these principles to maintain order and respect among members.
Dr. Clement Apaak, Member of Parliament for Builsa South and ranking Member of Education, voiced concerns about unparliamentary language during an interview on Ahotor 92.3 FM. He emphasized the importance of respectful discourse and adherence to parliamentary decorum when addressing colleagues and the Speaker.
Following a recent incident involving Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, Member of Parliament for Sefwi-Wiawso, who was escorted out of Parliament by the marshal at the Speaker’s instruction, Hon. Frank Annoh-Dompreh, front bencher of the majority leader, apologized on his behalf. He affirmed that maintaining order in Parliament is crucial for conducting legislative business effectively.
The African Center for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA) expressed regret over the altercation between Speaker Alban Bagbin and Dr. Kwaku Afriyie. Dr. Rasheed Draman, Executive Director of ACEPA, called for parliamentary decorum and emphasized the need for MPs to focus on national issues rather than internal conflicts.
The incident occurred when Speaker Alban Bagbin instructed the marshal to remove Dr. Kwaku Afriyie from the house after a disagreement over the Speaker’s remarks on the Supreme Court’s composition.
“We urge Parliament to prioritize national issues over unnecessary disputes,” Dr. Draman remarked.
Story by: Alexander Kukah