The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Chairman of the Appointments Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, has defended Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision to suspend four Members of Parliament.

The MPs were suspended on Friday, January 31, following a chaotic incident that led to the destruction of tables and microphones. The Minority had resisted further vetting, but the Majority proceeded after exhausting the initial schedule for the day.

In an interview with Bernard Avle on The Point of View on Channel One TV, Mr. Ahiafor clarified the Speaker’s authority in such situations, stating, “People are not getting it right. As a private legal practitioner, if I reduce it to a courtroom practice, we have two types of those incidents, the one that happened outside the court when you need evidence to establish, but the one within the court, you need no evidence to take a decision as a judge.

“…In matters of this nature where you have to take a decision in one way or the way other, you are playing the role of a judge.”

Speaker Alban Bagbin on January 31, 2025, following the violent confrontations during the vetting on Thursday, January 30, also established a seven-member committee. Its mandate is to identify those responsible and recommend appropriate sanctions.

To facilitate public engagement, the committee has created a WhatsApp platform for information submissions.

The committee will conduct public hearings, providing individuals the opportunity to testify openly about the chaotic scenes that disrupted proceedings.

The committee, chaired by Ho West MP Emmanuel Bedzrah, includes members Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, Gizella Akushika Tetteh-Agbotui, Abena Osei Asare, Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Vincent Oppong Asamoah, and Bede Anwataazuma Ziedeng.

Speaker Bagbin has made it clear that no public funds will be used to repair damages caused by the altercations. Instead, MPs found guilty of misconduct will be surcharged for repair costs.

Meanwhile, four MPs are currently serving a two-week suspension due to their involvement in the chaos. The committee’s findings are expected to help restore decorum and accountability in Parliament.