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The Minority Caucus in Parliament on Tuesday, November 3, staged a walkout in protest after Speaker Alban Bagbin ordered the Member of Parliament for Damongo, Samuel Abu Jinapor, out of the chamber following a disagreement over allegations of diplomatic passports being sold for between $10,000 and $50,000.
The incident occurred during a parliamentary discussion on the issuance of diplomatic passports, which are granted on the authority of the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Contributing to the debate, Mr Jinapor alleged that he had evidence suggesting that diplomatic passports were being sold for amounts ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. He subsequently called for an investigation into the alleged practice.
His claims, however, were challenged by the Majority Leader, James Agalga, who demanded that the Damongo MP substantiate the allegation or withdraw it.
Speaker Bagbin also directed Mr Jinapor to provide evidence to support his claims or retract the statement.
The directive triggered a tense exchange between the Speaker and the MP, who maintained his position despite repeated calls to substantiate the allegation.
Although Mr Jinapor eventually withdrew the claim following the prolonged exchange, Speaker Bagbin ordered the Marshal of Parliament to escort him out of the chamber, citing his failure to comply promptly with the directive.
The decision prompted the Minority Caucus to stage a walkout in solidarity with the Damongo MP, bringing further tension to proceedings in the House.
