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Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has strongly criticized the decision by Speaker Alban Bagbin to suspend three Minority Members of Parliament (MPs), arguing that it violates parliamentary Standing Orders and the MPs’ right to a fair hearing.
In a formal statement to Speaker Bagbin on Monday, February 3, Afenyo-Markin asserted that the suspension failed to adhere to established disciplinary procedures outlined in the Standing Orders of Parliament.
He referenced Orders 33, 129, and 130, which mandate that allegations of disorderly conduct or contempt of Parliament be referred to the Committee of Privileges and Immunities for investigation. A decision on sanctions should only be taken after the committee submits its report for debate and a vote by the House.
“Rt. Hon Speaker, it is my respectful contention that these procedural safeguards were disregarded. Instead of following due process, you exercised unilateral authority to suspend Members, a course of action that is inconsistent with established parliamentary practice and lacks procedural legitimacy,” Afenyo-Markin stated.
He further contended that the suspension breached Articles 19 and 23 of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantee the right to a fair hearing and the obligation of administrative bodies to act fairly and reasonably. Citing the Supreme Court case Awuni v West African Examination Council, he reinforced the principle that due process must be observed in disciplinary actions.
According to Afenyo-Markin, the affected MPs—Frank Annoh-Dompreh, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, and Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli—were denied their right to defend themselves before an impartial body.
He urged Speaker Bagbin to reconsider the suspensions and uphold parliamentary credibility by ensuring due process is followed.
