News:
Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament
December 17, 2021
The RT. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has unreservedly apologized to the nation for the misconduct of some Members of Parliament during proceedings on the floor of the House while he was absent.
The Speaker in his first formal communication to the House since returning from his medical leave said “the conduct of some members raises some fundamental issues bothering on a complete disregard of parliamentary practice, procedure and process of the House”.
According to him, having read the Order paper, votes and proceedings and the official reports of the days missions, and is convinced that “we should accept the views of the conscience of the nation that we owe Ghanaians an apology”.
“I As the Head of Parliament, the voice of the Legislature, who speaks for and on behalf of Parliament, hence the title Speaker, I, with all humility, apologize on behalf of the House and all the members, for the aberrations of conduct and behavior of members on those days. I take responsibility for what happens in the House and I admit the House is neither dignified nor exalted by those rancorous and unruly behaviors of members. I promise to do everything within my power and authority to lead the House to chart a path of transformation, decency and change, a change for the better.
The conduct of members on those days also touches on the legality of the decisions arrived at in the House and how we arrived at those decisions. It will help for members to look at these issues dispassionately, in humility, devoid of egos and partisanship. As a House of honor, dignity and measureless might and majesty, members of Parliament should, for a while, allow the 1992 Constitution, the enabling laws, precedents and the Standing Orders of the House to lead the way.
According to him, it is important for “members to think about how to strengthen the work of this House and by extension, strengthen Ghana’s democratic governance. Members need to consider the precedents we set by every decision and action we take in this house. Over and above that, members must bear in mind that as Members of Parliament, they also represent the people – the citizenry – not just political parties.”
“Hon. Members, just try to recollect, or view a playback of the proceedings or read the Official reports of those sittings, and you will appreciate what I am referring to. What happened was grave disorder with its resultant comedy of errors and I will not take lightly a repeat of such disorder and indiscipline in the House”, he added.
Ghanamps.com