Bernard Ahiafor, the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Chairman of the Appointments Committee, has backed Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision to suspend four Members of Parliament (MPs) following a chaotic incident in Parliament.

The MPs were suspended on Friday, January 31, after an altercation that resulted in the destruction of tables and microphones. Tensions escalated when the Minority opposed further vetting, while the Majority proceeded with the process after completing the scheduled business for the day.

Opinions on Speaker Bagbin’s decision have been split, with some condemning the move as unlawful, while others view it as a necessary step to restore order.

Ahiafor defended the Speaker’s actions, stressing the legal authority that Speaker Bagbin had in this situation. He explained, “People are not getting it right. As a private legal practitioner, if I compare it to courtroom practice, there are two types of incidents. One is outside the court where evidence is required, but within the court, a judge can make a decision without needing external evidence.”

He further emphasized that in situations like this, the Speaker was effectively acting as a judge in deciding on the appropriate course of action.

Following the violence that erupted during the vetting on January 30, 2025, Speaker Bagbin also established a seven-member committee to investigate the incident and recommend appropriate sanctions. The committee will offer a platform for public input, including through a WhatsApp group for submissions, and will hold hearings to gather testimonies from witnesses.

The committee, chaired by Ho West MP Emmanuel Bedzrah, includes members Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, Gizella Akushika Tetteh-Agbotui, Abena Osei Asare, Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Vincent Oppong Asamoah, and Bede Anwataazuma Ziedeng.

Speaker Bagbin has made it clear that the costs of repairing the damages will not be covered by public funds. Instead, MPs found responsible for the disruption will be required to pay for the repairs.

As the investigation continues, the four MPs remain suspended for two weeks. The committee’s findings are expected to help restore order and accountability in Parliament.

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