Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has cautioned Members of Parliament (MPs) against indiscipline and disorderly conduct during parliamentary proceedings, warning that he will impose strict sanctions to preserve the dignity of the House.
Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, the Speaker said the time had come for firm measures to uphold the integrity of the legislature and strengthen democratic governance.
“I want to assure all of you that I will come back on this issue of decency, discipline and decorum. And this time, I’m coming with the hammer and not the gavel,” he stated.
Why Speaker Bagbin has apologised to the Judiciary
His comments followed a heated exchange between the Majority and Minority Leaders during the vetting of Chief Justice nominee, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie.
The altercation began when the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, described the nominee as a “disputed nominee.”
The remark drew an objection from Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, who described it as inappropriate and potentially disrespectful to the Judiciary.
Afenyo-Markin, however, maintained his stance, arguing that the Majority was attempting to stifle legitimate scrutiny of the nominee.
Reacting to the standoff, Speaker Bagbin reminded MPs of Parliament’s constitutional duty to uphold mutual respect among the three arms of government.
“As Speaker, I wish to reaffirm Parliament’s unwavering respect for the Judiciary as a coequal arm of government under Article 125, Clause 1 of the Constitution (1992), which vests the judicial power of Ghana in the Judiciary,” he said.
He emphasised that the doctrine of separation of powers demands that each arm of government relate to the others with “mutual respect and restraint.”
The Speaker further directed the Appointments Committee to conduct all future vettings with professionalism, objectivity, and the highest standards of civility and institutional respect.
CJ Vetting: ‘Relate to the arms of government with mutual respect’ – Speaker to MPs
Reiterating Parliament’s regard for the Judiciary, Speaker Bagbin said, “Honourable Members, on your behalf, I extend our deepest apologies and assurances of Parliament’s continued respect for the Judiciary and its team members.”
He concluded by reaffirming Parliament’s commitment to enhancing collaboration with the Judiciary in the interest of the Ghanaian people and the protection of constitutional democracy.
Watch the video below
Proceedings of Tuesday, 11th November, 2025
MRA/MA
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