By Emmanuel Amoah
In an unprecedented move on Monday, Speaker of Parliament Alban S.K. Bagbin ordered the ejection of Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, Member of Parliament for Sefwi-Wiawso, from the parliamentary chamber. The decision came after Dr. Afriyie made a comment that was deemed “rude” and “disrespectful” by the Speaker.
The incident took place during a debate on the nomination of two justices to the Supreme Court by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. The Speaker had urged the House to consider the full composition of the Supreme Court when the Appointments Committee presents its report on the nominees.
Dr. Afriyie’s comment, which was not clearly heard by all members, was overheard by Speaker Bagbin, who found it disrespectful. In response, Dr. Afriyie argued that the Speaker’s initial remarks were prejudicial and beyond his authority.
Feeling disrespected, Speaker Bagbin exercised his authority to maintain order in the House. “This is a completely rude remark, and I can send you out of the House now. It lies in my authority to do so. You represent the good people of Sefwi-Wiawso; I represent the whole country. Please, Marshal, take him out of the House,” declared the Speaker.
Following this directive, the Marshal of Parliament escorted Dr. Afriyie out of the chamber.
In the aftermath, Majority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh issued an apology on behalf of Dr. Afriyie. “Mr. Speaker, we acknowledge the wisdom with which you have guided this House and how we have navigated through tense moments. You have shown leadership, and it is incumbent upon us in leadership to help you guide the House,” he stated.
