![First Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor [L] and Dr Nana Ayew Afriye](https://cdn.ghanaweb.com/imagelib/pics/912/91245142.295.jpg "First Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor [L] and Dr Nana Ayew Afriye")
First Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor [L] and Dr Nana Ayew Afriye
The Ranking Member on the Health Committee of Parliament, Dr. Nana Ayew Afriye, has strongly criticised the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Bernard Ahiafor, describing him as “extremely partisan” as he presided over proceedings in Parliament on June 10, 2025.
Dr. Ayew Afriye, who expressed concern about the ongoing industrial action that has crippled healthcare services nationwide since June 4 — resulting in several deaths across the country — requested an urgent discussion on the matter. However, the Deputy Speaker rejected the request.
Unhappy with the Deputy Speaker’s decision, the Ranking Member insisted on being heard, arguing that the issue constituted a national emergency.
This insistence sparked a heated exchange within the chamber, as the Minority side rallied behind their colleague and pushed for him to be allowed to speak.
However, Hon. Ahiafor, who is sometimes known for being abrasive in his approach, directed the Marshal of Parliament to remove Dr. Nana Ayew Afriye from the chamber.
Speaking in an interview with GhanaWeb after the House was adjourned, Dr. Ayew Afriye condemned the Deputy Speaker’s conduct, noting that Order 91(1) of the Standing Orders allows for statements on issues of urgent public importance to be heard on the floor.
He urged the Deputy Speaker to emulate the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, whom he described as more accommodating and respectful of parliamentary procedure.
“I think the First Deputy Speaker has a lot to learn from the Speaker himself. Mr. Speaker is extremely liberal and encourages the proper execution of the provisions of the Standing Orders. But the First Deputy Speaker, who is extremely partisan, has denied the Minority our right to act on the ongoing strike.
“We met with him this morning and made our position clear. But it doesn’t end there — our business is in the House. So Hon. Jerry and I made a joint statement for the Hansard to capture our stance. From there, we could deliberate and put the necessary pressure on the government to take action.
“That is official. Regardless of the earlier press conference, this is our work. The only formal way to address the issue was through an urgent statement, yet he refused to allow it — even though Order 93(1) allows for such matters of urgent public importance to be admitted.
“When people are dying, if this isn’t considered urgent, then what is our purpose in the House? He even threatened to expel me and my colleagues while we are simply trying to plead with nurses to return to work and ask the government to adopt a more reasonable posture in negotiations with them. What else do you expect from a responsible Minority?”
KA
