Afenyo-Markin Urges Speaker to Reverse Suspensions After Parliamentary Chaos

Key Points

• Afenyo-Markin challenges recent parliamentary rulings.
• Suspended MPs should be reinstated immediately.
• A meeting is needed to restore fairness.

Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the minority leader in parliament, has urged Speaker Alban Bagbin to revoke some of the rulings made at the Appointments Committee’s tumultuous meeting last week. He contends that the goal of his request is to ensure fairness and restore procedural integrity in parliamentary sessions.

Afenyo-Markin challenges Speaker’s decisions after chaotic committee session

Afenyo-Markin expressly asked for the reversal of important instructions issued following the disruption in a document written to the Speaker on Monday, February 3. He demanded that four MPs who had been suspended be reinstated immediately, claiming that their suspension “lacks the required procedural and legal foundation.” He also called for the ad hoc committee established by Orders 5 and 20(4) to be dissolved.

Parliamentary fairness at stake amid growing political tensions

In addition, he suggested that Parliament refer the issue for a thorough inquiry and immediately form the Committee on Privileges and Immunities in compliance with the Standing Orders. In order to prevent creating a precedent that compromises due process, he underlined the necessity for Parliament to restate its dedication to procedural justice.

According to Myjoyonline, the request from Afenyo-Markin coincides with increased parliamentary tensions. Additionally, he said that the four MPs—three of whom are members of the minority—were suspended in an effort to silence critics.

He urged Speaker Bagbin to arrange a meeting between the two caucuses in an attempt to settle the matter. “I humbly request a formal meeting with you at your earliest convenience, preferably before Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, to discuss these grave concerns, explore remedial actions, and chart a dignified path forward,” he concluded.