News:
March 5, 2025
The Rt. Hon. Speaker Alban Sumana Bagbin in a statement on the Floor of the House condemned the ‘daughter of a murderer comment’ on the floor, stating that such conduct is dishonorable and unbecoming of a Member of Parliament.
According to him the identity of the member who violated Parliamentary rules and regulations must be revealed and the rules against such behavior enforced.
Speaker Bagbin called for introspection and action in the aftermath of the incident, urging that disagreements remain intellectual rather than emotional.
He encouraged the member responsible for the statement to come forward and opt for a plea bargain to avoid the consequences of the ongoing investigation.
Speaker Bagbin also noted that while Order 22 of the Standing Orders grants freedom of speech, it must be exercised in accordance with Parliamentary rules and regulations. He reminded members that they are accountable to the citizenry and must always be mindful of that.
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, also urged the member who made the comment to come forward and stated that the majority would support the Privileges Committee in exacting maximum punishment on the individual responsible for the statement.
The Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh Dompreh expressed the hope that the matter will be ended as soon as possible.
He also made reference to two other incidents and called for a resolution to them.
Members of Parliament found guilty of defamation may be suspended from Parliament for nine (9) months or dispelled from Parliament all together.
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com