Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, expelled Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, Member of Parliament (MP) for Sefwi-Wiawso, from the chamber yesterday for questioning his authority in speaking on President Akufo-Addo’s nomination of two Supreme Court candidates.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP had said it did not lie in the authority of the Speaker to make pronouncements on the Supreme Court nominees who were about to be vetted by the Appointments Committee of Parliament, describing the remarks as “prejudicial.”
“Speaker, with all due respect to your chair, these preliminary remarks you are making are prejudicial, and I believe that, as (someone) representing the good people of Sefwi-Wiawso, it doesn’t lie in your mouth to remind us of the things that you said. Thank you,” Dr. Kwaku Afriyie said.
But Speaker Bagbin became incandescent at the MP’s remarks and said, “This is a completely rude remark, and I can send you out of the House now.”
“It lies in my authority to do so. You represent the good people of Sefwi-Wiawso, I represent the whole country. Please, Marshall, take him out of the House. Marshall, take him out of the House. I will not tolerate such disrespect. It lies in my mouth,” he added.
The MP then packed his things, stood up, and was led out of the chamber by the Marshall.
Mr. Bagbin, after reading a letter from the presidency regarding the nomination of the two candidates to the Supreme Court, refuted the President’s assertion that the nominees’ appointment will bring the court’s full complement.
“We will consider them on the floor of the House to see whether there is any full complement that they want to make sure is maintained.
“Which full complement I am not aware of. And so we are being called for through this letter, as a House, to look at the issue of a full complement of the Supreme Court.
“Should it be 13, should it be 15, should it be 20, 40 or 100? It’s for this House to decide. And I’m urging you to look at this issue during the constitutional reforms or to pass legislation to give an upper limit as to how many can be at the Supreme Court of a country of 33 million people,” Mr. Bagbin intimated.
He said this was a notice to the MPs, pointing out, “I expect that the committee (Appointments Committee) will sit during the course of the recess to consider these nominees and any time we resume” they would consider the report.
Apology
Reacting to the development, Majority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, apologised to the Speaker on behalf of the caucus, recognising the importance of unity and respect in the parliamentary setting.
He expressed regret over the development and pointed, “We acknowledge your astute guidance and leadership throughout our deliberations.”
“Regrettably,” the Majority Chief Whip continued, “we experienced a tense moment which does not reflect our shared values and decorum within this esteemed institution.”
“On behalf of my colleague and our entire caucus, I humbly apologise to you and your office,” he said, expressing hope that the incident would bring an end to the issue.
Mr. Annoh-Dompreh affirmed the Majority Caucus’ commitment to upholding the House’s dignity and principles.
By Ernest Kofi Adu, Parliament House
