News:
November 12, 2025
The Rt. Hon Speaker Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 apologized to the Judiciary on behalf of Parliament when it was brought to his attention that, there were comments and conducts at the vetting of the Chief Justice nominee Paul Baffoe- Bonnie that appeared discourteous and disrespectful.
According to him he had an engagement with some queen mothers at his office at the same time the vetting of the CJ was going on and that could not afford him the opportunity to observe the vetting process at its early stages.
“I apologize to his Lordship and Ladyship who were present at the vetting, such conduct, does not represent the collective will of Parliament; it is regrettable and inconsistent with the decorum expected of members under the standing orders of the Parliament of Ghana”, he noted.
The standing orders enjoined members to maintain order and decorum in the house and in committee; and to refrain from the use of offensive, insulting or unbecoming language, he added.
The Speaker further noted that Order 123 rule 3, cautions members against impugning improper motives, or using words that are disrespectful or likely to cause offense. The standing orders serve as a reminder that our proceedings must always reflect the dignity and integrity of Parliament as a key organ of state.
“As Speaker, I wish to reaffirm Parliament’s unwavering respect for the judiciary as a co-equal arm of government under Article 125, Clause 1 of the 1992 Constitution which vest the judiciary power of Ghana in the judiciary”
He further added that, the judiciary is independent of control or direction from any person or authority. The doctrine of separation of powers requires that all three arms of government, the executive, legislature and judiciary relate to one another with mutual respect and restraint.
Consequently, he has directed the leadership of the Appointments Committee to take note of this incident and to ensure that in all future proceedings, the highest standards of civility, objectivity and institutional respect are maintained.
Again, Parliament cherishes the longstanding spread of cooperation and mutual regard between the two institutions. We must remain committed to strengthening the relationship in the collective service of the people of Ghana and the protection of our constitutional democracy.
“All members, once again, on your behalf, I extend our deepest apologies and assurances of Parliament’s continued respect for the judiciary and its esteemed members. I want to assure all of you that I will come back on this issue of decency, discipline and equal room. And this time, I’m coming with the hammer, not the gavel”, he promised
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com