Accra: Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has called on Ghanaian Members of Parliament (MPs) to adhere to the rules and regulations of the House, emphasizing the importance of maintaining parliamentary decorum to preserve the institution’s esteemed global reputation.
According to Ghana News Agency, Speaker Bagbin highlighted the high regard in which the Parliament of Ghana is held worldwide, noting that this respect benefits the MPs in various professional capacities. He cited examples where Ghanaian parliamentarians, due to the esteemed perception of the Parliament, have succeeded in international positions without opposition.
The Speaker’s remarks came in the wake of a tumultuous session on June 10, 2025, which saw the First Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, refuse a request by Dr. Nana Ayew Afriye, the NPP Member of Parliament for Effiduase/Asokore, to deliver a statement on the floor. The refusal was based on the fact that the statement had not been discussed at the Leaders Conclave and lacked prior notice.
Despite this, Dr. Nana Afriye attempted to present his statement while seconding a motion to adjourn the House. This led to the First Deputy Speaker instructing the Marshals of Parliament to remove him from the Chamber, a directive that was met with resistance from the Minority Caucus who physically blocked the Marshals from executing the order. The ensuing confrontation prompted Speaker Bagbin to reiterate the need for MPs to respect parliamentary procedures and not undermine the authority of the House.
Speaker Bagbin, who has served in various distinguished roles within parliamentary associations both in Africa and internationally, underscored the importance of mentoring and adherence to procedural rules. He currently chairs all speakers in Africa and is the immediate past president of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, which includes 182 parliaments.
In his address, the Speaker took the opportunity to instruct the legislators on the proper protocol for submitting statements in Parliament, urging them to avoid repeating the chaos witnessed and to acquaint themselves thoroughly with the House’s rules and regulations.