Nine civil society organisations (CSOs) focused on monitoring parliamentary affairs have commended the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, for his actions so far in addressing the recent chaotic scenes at a sitting of the Appointments Committee.

In a press statement on Monday, 3 February, the groups expressed their support for the Speaker’s decision to investigate the chaos and hold those responsible accountable. They believe this move is crucial in maintaining the integrity of Parliament.

“We believe the Speaker’s prompt and decisive action to launch an investigation into the incident and hold those responsible accountable is an essential step in preserving the dignity and integrity of Parliament. Such actions will help restore discipline and ensure that parliamentary proceedings are conducted with the decorum expected of elected representatives,” the statement reads.

The CSOs also expressed satisfaction with Mr Bagbin’s enforcement of Parliament’s Standing Orders, asserting that this approach will help rebuild public confidence in Parliament.

“We also acknowledge the Speaker’s commitment to enforcing the Standing Orders of Parliament. Strict adherence to these rules is a vital measure to halt the growing decline in parliamentary discipline, rebuild public trust in democracy, and safeguard the reputation of Ghana’s Parliament,” they stated.

The CSOs further called for severe sanctions for those found culpable in the incident, emphasising that these measures are necessary to deter future misconduct. “To serve as a deterrent and reinforce the principle that no one is above the law, we recommend imposing more severe punishments on those found culpable, along with surcharges to cover the damages they have caused,” the statement concluded.

The chaos in Parliament occurred during the vetting of the Minister nominee for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa when members of the Appointments Committee disagreed on whether to proceed with vetting deep into the night or not.

The confusion led to the destruction of tables and microphones in the vetting conference room.

Following the incident, the Speaker suspended four MPs who were central to the disruption. He has also set up a committee to investigate the matter and has promised to ensure that the House restores its full dignity.

Read Also: Committee probing parliamentary chaos to start public hearings from Feb. 5

Meanwhile, some legal experts have opposed the Speaker’s suspension of the MPs, arguing that the Standing Orders do not permit such action, nor does the Constitution.