Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has issued a formal apology to the judiciary following a heated exchange between Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga during the vetting of President Mahama’s Chief Justice nominee, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, on Tuesday.
The altercation, which stemmed from political disagreements, led to a walkout by Minority members of the Appointments Committee.
Addressing the House after the incident, Speaker Bagbin reminded Members of Parliament of their duty to uphold decorum and discipline both in plenary and committee sittings.
“Honourable Members, our Standing Orders require us to maintain order and decorum in the House and in committees, and to refrain from offensive, insulting, or unbecoming language,” he stated.
Citing Order 123, Rule 3, the Speaker emphasised that MPs must avoid imputing improper motives or using language that could be deemed disrespectful or provocative.
The confrontation began when Mr. Afenyo-Markin referred to Justice Baffoe-Bonnie as a “disputed nominee,” a description Mr. Ayariga immediately challenged as politically motivated and inappropriate. In turn, the Minority Leader accused the Majority of trying to stifle legitimate parliamentary scrutiny.
Reaffirming Parliament’s respect for the judiciary, Speaker Bagbin invoked Article 125(1) of the 1992 Constitution, underscoring the independence of the judiciary and the need for mutual respect among the three arms of government.
He directed the leadership of the Appointments Committee to ensure that future vetting exercises are conducted with “the highest standards of civility, objectivity, and institutional respect.”
“On your behalf, I extend our deepest apologies and assurances of Parliament’s continued respect for the judiciary and its esteemed members,” the Speaker concluded.
