The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has strongly condemned the recent suspension of three of its Members of Parliament (MPs) by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, on Friday, 31st January 2025.

In a statement issued on Monday, February 3, it described the move as "selective" and "autocratic," warning that it could undermine the role of the minority in Parliament and stifle accountability.

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, suspended four Members of Parliament (MPs) for two weeks following a chaotic incident that occurred during Thursday’s sitting of the Appointments Committee which resulted in the destruction of tables and microphones.

Read also: Speaker suspends Dafeamekpor, Annoh-Dompreh and 2 others over Appointments Committee chaos

“The party sees this selective, and autocratic posture of the Speaker as very dangerous, with all these actions packaged to cow the minority into submission, consequently weakening its potential to hold the government accountable,” the statement read.

The NPP expressed grave concern over what it called an increasingly authoritarian approach by the Speaker, which it argued was designed to "cow the minority into submission”.

The party contends that such actions are detrimental to the democratic processes in Parliament and are a direct attempt to weaken the ability of the opposition to hold the government accountable.

In a firm rebuttal of the Speaker's decision, the NPP emphasized that it would not accept the suspension of its MPs, asserting that the move was in "flagrant disregard" of the Constitution and the principles of natural justice.

The statement reiterated the party’s commitment to defending the rights of its members and protecting the integrity of parliamentary procedures.

The NPP further voiced its support for the minority caucus, which held a press conference earlier today, Monday, February 3, to address the issue.

The party reiterated its unflinching support for its MPs, calling on all Members of Parliament to stand united in the face of "repression and unfairness."

“The party hereby reiterates its position that it stands with its eighty-eight (88) gallant Hon. Members to address all forms of repression and unfairness in the application of the rules governing Parliament and the nation,” the statement concluded.