The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has said the unilateral decision of the Speaker of Parliament to suspend four Members of the House without recourse to due process is selective, autocratic and dangerous.
A statement issued by the Party and signed by its General Secretary, Justice Koduah Frimpong on Monday February 3 said the Speaker, Alban Bagbin’s motive is ostensibly to “to cow the Minority into submission, consequently weakening its potential to hold the government accountable.”
“The Party calls on ALL, especially it’s Hon. Members of Parliament, to be assured of the Party’s unflinching support at all material times and fully supports the press conference of the Minority Caucus on 3rd February 2025 and its subsequent briefings”, the statement noted.
It continued: “in this spirit, the Party wishes to state that it does not accept the decision of the Speaker to suspend its Members; which is in flagrant disregard for the Constitution of the Republic and as well as the rules of Natural Justice.
“The Party herby reiterates its position that it stands with its eighty-eight (88) gallant Hon. Members to address all forms of repression and unfairness in the application of the rules governing Parliament and the Nation.”
Speaker Bagbin has come under an increasing series of condemnation for the unilateral decision and disregard for due process in suspending the Members of Parliament alleged to have been involved in a chaotic situation at the Appointments Committee.
Though there has been a unanimous condemnation of the chaotic development and calls on the Authorities to take action against those found culpable, there has been an equal measure of disappointment in the fact that the Speaker, Alban Bagbin did not follow due process in sanctioning the said MPs suspected to be guilty.
None of them was heard or given an opportunity to tell their sides of the story before Speaker Bagbin announced he had passed judgment on them and suspended them for a period of two weeks.
MINORITY LEADER PROTESTS
On the same subject matter of the unilateral suspension of the Members of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader has officially called on the Speaker, Alban Bagbin, to reverse his decision so as to restore procedural integrity and uphold the constitutional principles of fairness and justice.
The Minority Leader, in a memorandum sent to the Speaker on Monday, February 3 said “The suspension of the four MPs be reversed immediately, as it lacks the required procedural and legal foundation. The ad-hoc Committee constituted under Orders 5 and 20(4) be dissolved immediately.”
Afenyo-Markin requested that “The Committee on Privileges and Immunities be urgently constituted in accordance with the Standing Orders and the matter be referred to this Committee for a full and proper investigation and subsequent action and Parliament formally reaffirms its commitment to procedural fairness to avoid setting a precedent that undermines due process”.
He requested for a meeting with the Speaker over the development which has sparked tension in the House.
“Rt Hon Speaker, I humbly request a formal meeting with you at your earliest convenience, preferably before Tuesday, 4th February 2025, to discuss these grave concerns, explore remedial actions, and chart a dignified path forward,” Afenyo-Markin stated.
He commended Speaker Bagbin’s firm stance on restoring discipline but stressed the need for actions to be taken within the legal and procedural framework set by the Constitution and the Standing Orders.
“Rt Hon Speaker, while I, again, commend your firm stance on restoring parliamentary discipline, it is crucial that this be done within the legal and procedural framework set by the Constitution and the Standing Orders. The Speaker of Parliament must always be seen as an impartial guardian of due process, and it is in this light that I urge you to reconsider the actions taken,” he added.
Afenyo-Markin expressed his trust in Speaker Bagbin’s wisdom and leadership to uphold the credibility of Parliament and ensure that justice is served.
“I trust in your wisdom and leadership to uphold the credibility of Parliament and ensure that justice is done in this matter,” Afenyo-Markin stated.
