A photo collage of Mahama Ayariga (L) and Alban Bagbin
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, has assured the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, that both sides of the House will exhibit better behaviour in the days ahead, following the chaos that characterised the vetting of some ministerial nominees on Thursday, January 30, 2025.
Speaking on the Floor of Parliament after the Speaker lifted the suspension of four Members of Parliament, Ayariga expressed his satisfaction with the Speaker’s decision.
“We thank you for considering our appeals and lifting the suspension on our colleagues. We assure you that we will be of good behaviour going forward,” he remarked.
The Speaker has lifted the suspension of the four MPs involved in the altercation during the vetting session.
They are Frank Annoh-Dompreh (NPP), Nsawam-Adoagyiri); Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor (NDC, South Dayi); Alhassan Tampuli (NPP, Gushegu); and Jerry Ahmed Shaib (NPP, Weija-Gbawe).
Background
The altercation stemmed from the vetting of Minister of Health-designate, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, and Minister of Foreign Affairs-designate, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
The Minority Caucus accused the Majority Caucus of violating an agreement to vet only four nominees for the day, leading to heated exchanges.
Tensions quickly escalated into physical confrontations, resulting in the destruction of microphones and furniture, and the overturning of the vetting table.
In response to the chaos, the Speaker suspended four Members of Parliament for two weeks.
VKB/AE