Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has called on Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin to reconsider his decision to suspend four Members of Parliament (MPs) for two weeks. He appealed for leniency during Parliament’s 11th sitting of the 1st meeting of the 1st session of the 9th Parliament of the 4th Republic of Ghana.

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The suspension, which took effect on January 31, 2025, was imposed following violent clashes during the vetting of ministerial nominees Kwabena Mintah Akandoh and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa at the Appointments Committee on January 30. The affected MPs include Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh, Second Minority Whip Jerry Ahmed Shaib, Gushegu MP Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli, and Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor.

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The matter was brought before Parliament today for discussion, with the House also expected to deliberate on the approval of additional ministerial nominees. Tensions remain high, as New Patriotic Party (NPP) legislators have opposed the suspension, describing it as excessive. In a show of solidarity, Minority MPs dressed in red and black stormed the front of the parliamentary chamber in protest.

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Security personnel have since mounted a barricade at the entrance to prevent the suspended MPs from accessing the chamber. The heightened security presence has added to the charged atmosphere within Parliament. As calls for a review of the disciplinary action grow louder, all eyes are on Speaker Bagbin to determine whether he will heed the Majority Leader’s plea and reinstate the four MPs.

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