The Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has dismissed claims that he is acting like a headmaster towards Members of Parliament (MPs), following his recent decision to suspend four MPs for improper conduct.

Addressing the House on Tuesday, February 4, Speaker Bagbin expressed his disapproval of such assertions.

He stressed the necessity of leadership and discipline in the parliamentary setting.

“Some members of the House have referred to me as a headmaster, treating Honourable Members like students. I reject that assertion,” he stated.

He, however, assured that "where there are students, there must be a headmaster. If you don’t have a headmaster, you know what is going to happen to the school.”

He further invoked a Latin phrase to underscore the responsibilities of lawmakers.

“To whom much is given, much is expected,” adding that "you are not called Honourable for nothing. They expect so much from you. And don’t forget that there is life after Parliament.”

The Speaker’s comments come in the wake of the suspension of four MPs, a decision that has stirred debate among lawmakers and political observers. While some have defended his stance as necessary for maintaining decorum, others argue that it undermines the democratic nature of the House.

However, both leaders of the House have pleaded with the Speaker to rescind his decision to suspend the MPs saying that the members are remorseful.

The Speaker, after listening to the plea, lifted the suspension.