News:
January 31, 2025
Chairman of the Appointment Committee, Bernard Ahiafor has offered unqualified apology to the Rt. Hon Speaker Alban Kingsford Bagbin, the leadership of the House and Ghanaians in general over the chaos that erupted on Thursday, January 30, 2025.
The Chairman in a statement before the commencement of vetting on Friday said as a committee they will work for the growth of Ghana’s democracy and implore all Members to conduct themselves in ways befitting Members of Parliament, bearing in mind that the rules and procedures governing parliamentary practices are upheld at all times.
“The brouhaha led to the destruction of some furniture and microphones in the Committee room and a disruption of proceedings, causing the sitting to end abruptly. The damage to these items affected the functionality of the Committee and has also tarnished the dignity of the institution and its members.
Upon assessment of the extent of the damage, one microphone was damaged beyond repair and has been replaced. Fortunately, this morning’s proceedings will carry on without any technical hitch. It is essential that we ensure a swift return to order and maintain the integrity of our Parliamentary processes.”
The actions that unfolded last night have drawn significant concern from the public and are a cause for reflection on the conduct and professionalism of our Members of Parliament and the Institution of Parliament. It is crucial that we restore confidence in our committee’s ability to function effectively and responsibly, he added.
According to him, while forceful disagreements during Plenary and Committees are common place, and indeed heckling and filibustering between and among Members are permissible, physical altercations are totally prohibited and the laws of our country emphatically prohibit same. “What happened last night is totally unacceptable and we take full responsibility for the unfortunate incident”.
Growing a democracy he noted is always a difficult process but agreeing to disagree with colleagues is an honorable way to handle issues.
He urged his colleagues to keep in mind that the duties given to them put them in privileged positions to serve our country and be good examples for those who will come after us.
“The people who put us here in parliament expect us to act in ways that will unite us as a people, and it is incumbent on us to take this task seriously. Please let’s conduct ourselves in this manner”.
And we assure you that appropriate measures will be put in place to address this issue and prevent a recurrence of such incidents in future.
We as members of this Committee will continue to work in unity and dignity for the furtherance of our parliamentary democracy and the good of our multiparty democracy, he concluded.
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com