Nine civil society organisations (CSOs) focused on monitoring parliamentary affairs have lauded the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin’s suspension of four lawmakers over the chaotic scenes at the Appointments Committee vetting.
The CSOs have described the move as critical in maintaining the integrity of the legislature.
In a jointly signed statement, the groups pledged their support for the Speaker’s decision to investigate the chaos and hold those responsible accountable.
“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 read in parts.
The CSOs also expressed satisfaction with the Speaker’s enforcement of Standing Orders, which they believe 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,” the statement added.
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.
Some legal experts have opposed the decision, arguing that the Speaker no authority to suspend the MPs.
Meanwhile, four MPs are currently serving a two-week suspension as a result of the chaotic incident.
The affected MPs are Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor (Majority Chief Whip), Frank Annoh-Dompreh (Minority Chief Whip), Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli (Gushegu MP), and Jerry Ahmed Shaib (Weija-Gbawe MP).
Also, Speaker Bagbin has instituted a bipartisan committee to probe and submit its report within 10 days.
The New Patriotic Party(NPP) has since directed its MPs to disregard the suspension and return to work, describing it as illegal and unconstitutional.
Source: Adomonline
