Majority leader Mahama Ayariga on Tuesday, February 4, joined the Minority leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin in appealing to the Speaker of Parliament to reconsider and lift the suspension of four Members of Parliament (MPs).

The Speaker suspended the two Chief Whips, Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor and Frank Annoh-Dompreh, as well as Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli and Jerry Ahmed Shaib following their roles in the chaotic scenes recorded at one of the sittings of the Appointments Committee of Parliament.

During parliamentary proceedings on Tuesday, Mr Ayariga acknowledged that while the Speaker’s decision to suspend the MPs was necessary to maintain the integrity of the House, he believes it has served its intended purpose.

He urged the Speaker to show leniency and reinstate the affected MPs.

“Even in the vetting process, there have been some incidents. They are regrettable. Mr Speaker, I will support the appeal of my colleague, the Minority leader, that you temper justice with mercy. I agree that your decision to suspend some colleagues was timely, and I believe it has been understood by the generality of Ghanaians as a step that restored the image of this Parliament.”

According to the Majority leader, the suspended MPs have shown remorse and have accepted the Speaker’s decision in good faith. He emphasised that the disciplinary measure had achieved its objectives, adding that it would be in the best interest of the House to reinstate them.

“But as you can see, our colleagues are remorseful. Our colleagues accept your decision in good faith, and our colleagues are appealing to you to review your decision,” he said.

Mr Ayariga also pointed out that since the conduct leading to the suspension was not limited to one faction, it would be fair for the Speaker to reconsider his decision.

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He further assured that the leadership of Parliament is working on long-term measures to ensure order and discipline during parliamentary proceedings, stressing that the ultimate goal is to maintain decorum in the House.