Alban Bagbin
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has formally apologised on behalf of Parliament to members of the judiciary following what he described as “discourteous” behaviour by some Members of Parliament (MPs) during the vetting of the Chief Justice nominee on Monday.
Addressing the House yesterday, Mr. Bagbin said his attention had been drawn to comments and conduct exhibited by certain MPs during the Appointments Committee’s proceedings, which may have appeared disrespectful to members of the judiciary who were in attendance.
“Such conduct, though not representative of the collective will of Parliament, is regrettable and inconsistent with the decorum expected of Members under the Standing Orders of Parliament,” he said.
The Speaker emphasised that Parliament’s Standing Orders require members to maintain order and civility both in the House and in committee sittings, refraining from the use of offensive, insulting, or unbecoming language.
He particularly cited Order 123(3), which cautions members against imputing improper motives or using words likely to cause offence.
Mr. Bagbin reaffirmed Parliament’s unwavering respect for the judiciary as a co-equal arm of government, underscoring that the 1992 Constitution, under Article 125(1), vests the judicial power of Ghana in the judiciary and guarantees its independence from any control or direction.
He reminded members of the importance of maintaining mutual respect among the three arms of government (the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary) in keeping with the doctrine of separation of powers.
“The Standing Orders serve as a reminder that our proceedings must always reflect the dignity and integrity of Parliament as a key organ of state,” the Speaker stated.
Mr. Bagbin disclosed that he had directed the leadership of the Appointments Committee to take note of the incident and ensure that all future vetting sessions are conducted with the highest levels of civility, objectivity, and institutional respect.
He urged MPs to uphold the longstanding spirit of cooperation and mutual regard between Parliament and the judiciary, stressing that both institutions must work together to protect the country’s constitutional democracy.
Concluding his remarks, the Speaker again extended Parliament’s “deepest apologies and assurances of continued respect for the judiciary and its esteemed members.”
Mr. Bagbin hinted at enforcing stricter discipline within the House, saying, “I will come back on this issue of decency, discipline, and decorum, and this time, I’m coming with the hammer, not the gavel.”
By Ernest Kofi Adu, Parliament House