The Director of Advocacy and Policy Engagement at the Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Dr. Kojo Asante, has questioned the procedure used by Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin to suspend the four Members of Parliament (MPs) caught up in the Appointment Committee brawl last Thursday

He noted that due process may not have been followed. 

Speaking on the Big Issue on Channel 1 TV on Saturday, January 1, 2025, Dr. Asante acknowledged the need for swift action but expressed concern over whether the suspension aligned with Parliament’s Standing Orders. 

“I commend that there was swift action, but also when I look at the Standing Orders of Parliament, I’m not sure whether the right procedure was followed,” he stated. “Because when you look at the issues of privileges, immunities and so on and so forth, this is a matter that normally would be referred to the Privileges Committee.” 

Speaker Bagbin, on Friday, January 31, suspended Frank Annoh-Dompreh (MP for Nsawam-Adoagyiri), Alhassan Tampuli Sulemana (MP for Gushegu), Jerry Ahmed Shaib (MP for Weija-Gbawe), and Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor (MP for South Dayi) for two weeks following a chaotic incident during the vetting of ministerial nominees describing their conduct as an “embarrassment to the institution of Parliament” and barred them from the chamber. 

Dr. Asante, however, pointed out that though Speaker Bagbin erred procedurally, a potential challenge with the normal disciplinary process may arise, noting that some of the suspended MPs were also key figures in the Privileges Committee leading to them being judges on their own case.

“The only challenge is that maybe some of the leaders of the Privileges Committee who have been suspended are probably going to be the ones that are going to sit on their own case,” he observed. 

His comments add to growing concerns over the Speaker’s decision, with legal experts such as Martin Kpebu also questioning its legality and urging the suspended MPs to seek legal redress. 

While the Speaker has defended the move as necessary to restore order in Parliament, the controversy surrounding the suspension continues to fuel debate on parliamentary discipline and due process.