Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has issued a firm warning to Members of Parliament (MPs), vowing to clamp down on indiscipline and restore order in the House.
Addressing lawmakers on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, the Speaker said the time had come for decisive measures to protect the integrity of Parliament and safeguard Ghana’s democracy.
“I want to assure all of you that I will come back on this issue of decency, discipline and decorum. And this time, I’m coming with the hammer, not the gavel,” he declared, drawing attention across the chamber.
His caution came in the wake of a heated exchange between the Majority and Minority Leaders during the vetting of Chief Justice nominee, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie.
The tension erupted when Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin referred to the nominee as a “disputed nominee,” a description Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga rejected as disrespectful to the Judiciary. Despite objections, Mr. Afenyo-Markin defended his statement, insisting that the Majority was attempting to silence legitimate scrutiny.
In his response, Speaker Bagbin reminded members that Parliament must serve as an example of discipline and respect in public service. He stressed that the country’s democratic system rests on mutual regard among the three arms of government.
“As Speaker, I wish to reaffirm Parliament’s unwavering respect for the Judiciary as a coequal arm of government under Article 125(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which vests judicial power in the Judiciary,” he emphasized.
Mr. Bagbin cautioned that the principle of separation of powers demands that Parliament, the Executive, and the Judiciary engage one another with restraint and dignity.
He further directed the Appointments Committee to conduct all future vettings with professionalism, civility, and fairness, ensuring that nominees are assessed objectively without compromising respect for state institutions.
Reiterating Parliament’s commitment to upholding democratic values, the Speaker extended an apology to the Judiciary on behalf of the House for any perceived disrespect during the vetting process.
“Honourable Members, on your behalf, I extend our deepest apologies and assurances of Parliament’s continued respect for the Judiciary and its officers,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Speaker Bagbin reaffirmed Parliament’s resolve to work closely with the Judiciary in promoting transparency, accountability, and constitutional governance for the good of all Ghanaians.
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