Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has vowed to take firm action 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 between the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, and the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, during the vetting of the Chief Justice nominee on Monday, November 10.
The dispute erupted when Mr. Ayariga challenged Mr. Afenyo-Markin’s attempt to make his opening remarks, insisting that the matter had already been addressed in Parliament through a motion he had filed.
Earlier, Mr. Afenyo-Markin had referred to Justice Baffoe-Bonnie as a “disputed Chief Justice nominee,” a description that drew immediate objection from the Majority Leader.
Mr. Ayariga argued that the vetting session was not a courtroom proceeding and demanded that the Minority Leader retract the statement and issue an apology. In turn, Mr. Afenyo-Markin accused the Majority Leader of acting in bad faith and attempting to stifle the Minority’s right to freely express their views during the process.
He also criticised the circumstances surrounding the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, describing them as opaque—a point that further drew Mr. Ayariga’s objection.
Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, November 11, Mr. Bagbin said the conduct of some members during the session fell short of parliamentary standards and warned that he would not hesitate to enforce strict discipline in the future.
“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.
The Speaker reminded members that the Standing Orders of Parliament prohibit the use of offensive language or imputing improper motives, urging MPs to always maintain 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.
Mr. Bagbin reaffirmed Parliament’s respect for the judiciary as a coequal arm of government under Article 125(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which vests judicial power in the courts. He stressed the need for mutual respect among the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary in line 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 standards 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 said.
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.
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