Legal expert Martin Kpebu has asked the four suspended Members of Parliament (MPs) to challenge Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision in court, asserting that the law does not empower him to impose such sanctions.During an appearance on TV3’s The Key Points, Kpebu questioned the legal foundation of the Speaker’s action, warning that suspending MPs without explicit constitutional backing could set a troubling precedent.

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“I strongly urge that the suspended MPs sue the Speaker...yes, we’ve seen the Parliament Act, which says the Speaker is to maintain dignity in Parliament, but to totally suspend a member from sitting for two weeks is difficult to justify legally,”Kpebu stated.

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On January 31, Speaker Bagbin suspended four MPs—Frank Annoh-Dompreh (Nsawam-Adoagyiri), Alhassan Tampuli Sulemana (Gushegu), Jerry Ahmed Shaibu (Weija-Gbawe), and Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor (South Dayi)—due to their actions during a chaotic vetting session for ministerial nominees.The suspension has ignited controversy, with critics arguing that the Speaker may have exceeded his authority.

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Kpebu further emphasized that Ghana’s legal framework does not grant the Speaker unilateral suspension power, citing that the Constitution specifically outlines suspension procedures in instances like judicial removals.“When you read those sections, the Speaker has powers to maintain the dignity of the House, but does that also involve outright suspension of a member? That is difficult to justify,” he

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noted.

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