Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has vowed to enforce strict discipline and uphold parliamentary decorum following a heated confrontation between the Majority and Minority during the vetting of Chief Justice nominee Justice Baffoe-Bonnie.
Addressing the House on Tuesday, November 11, Bagbin cautioned members against disorderly behaviour and warned that future misconduct would be met with firm action.
“I want to assure all of you that I will come back on this issue of decency, discipline and decorum. And this time, I’m coming with the hammer and not the gavel,” he declared, signaling his intent to restore order and respect in the chamber.
The Speaker’s comments came after Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin clashed during the vetting session over language deemed disrespectful toward the Judiciary.
Ayariga raised objections, insisting that certain remarks risked undermining the dignity of the judicial institution, while Afenyo-Markin countered that the Majority was attempting to suppress legitimate parliamentary scrutiny.
In his remarks, Bagbin emphasized the need for all arms of government to operate within the boundaries of mutual respect and constitutional balance.
“As Speaker, I wish to reaffirm Parliament’s unwavering respect for the Judiciary as a coequal arm of government under Article 125, Clause 1 of the 1992 Constitution, which vests the judicial power of Ghana in the Judiciary,” he said.
He continued, “The doctrine of the separation of powers requires that all three arms of government… relate to one another with mutual respect and restraint.”
Offering an apology on behalf of the legislature, Bagbin extended assurances of Parliament’s continued regard for the Judiciary.
“Honourable members, on your behalf, I extend our deepest apologies and assurances of Parliament’s continued respect for the Judiciary and its team members,” he added.
