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Speaker lifts suspension of 4 MPs

Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has rescinded the decision to suspend four legislators over their misconduct during an Appointments Committee vetting sitting.

Mr Bagbin made the U-turn on Tuesday  February 4, after the Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin pleaded for forgiveness on behalf of the suspended MPs.

The suspension was initially imposed after chaotic scenes erupted during the vetting of ministerial nominees, prompting the Speaker to take disciplinary action against those involved.

However, addressing the House today, Speaker Bagbin announced his decision to reverse the suspension.

“They demonstrated and assured me and the deputy speakers of their total support and to ensure that we have an efficient and effective function in Parliament in Ghana. So, I am satisfied with not just the statement, but also their conduct,” he stated.

He further declared, “And I will proceed to lift the suspension of the four Members of Parliament that I considered were involved in this disorderly conduct, which amounted to contempt.”

The Speaker’s decision came after fervent appeals from leaders on both sides of the House, who urged him to reconsider in order to restore harmony and cooperation in parliamentary affairs.

The appeal was led by Mr Afenyo-Markin, with support from Mr Ayariga, both emphasising the need for unity and constructive engagement in legislative proceedings.

Mr. Afenyo-Markin, while addressing the Speaker, took responsibility for the disturbances and pleaded for leniency.

“Mr. Speaker, I take full responsibility as a leader on my side, for all actions that took place. I will therefore conclude by inviting you, Mr. Speaker, to, in the circumstance and with the assurance given, consider a recession of the decision you communicated to the House, as well as all consequential matters thereto,” he stated.

The vetting session, which was marred by heated exchanges and disruptions, led to the Speaker establishing a special committee to investigate the matter. As a result of the altercation, four MPs from both sides were suspended.

The suspended MPs included the Chief Whips of both the Minority and Majority caucuses, Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor and Frank Annoh-Dompreh, along with Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli and Jerry Ahmed Shaib.

With the lifting of the suspension, parliamentary proceedings are expected to move forward with renewed cooperation and decorum.

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