Adoa News Adoa News
The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has rendered a formal apology to members of the Judiciary over what he described as discourteous comments and conduct during the vetting of Chief Justice nominee, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie.
In a formal communication on the floor of Parliament today, the Speaker said his attention had been drawn to certain remarks and actions by some Members of Parliament (MPs) during the vetting, which appeared disrespectful to the distinguished Justices who were present.
“Such conduct, though not representative of the collective will of Parliament, is regrettable and inconsistent with the decorum expected of Members,” the Speaker stated.
Speaker Bagbin reminded Members that the Standing Orders of Parliament require them to maintain order and decorum during both plenary sessions and committee sittings. He stressed the need for MPs to refrain from using offensive, insulting, or unbecoming language, and to ensure that all proceedings reflect the dignity and integrity of the House.
“The proceedings must always reflect the dignity and integrity of Parliament as a key organ of the State,” he emphasized.
The Speaker further noted that the Judiciary is a co-equal arm of government, deserving of utmost respect from the Legislature. He cited Article 125 of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees the independence of the Judiciary, and reminded Members that the separation of powers is not merely a suggestion but a constitutional command ensuring balance, accountability, and mutual respect among the three arms of government.
Speaker Bagbin directed the leadership of the Appointments Committee to ensure that all future vetting proceedings are conducted with the highest standards of civility, objectivity, and institutional regard.
He also cautioned that he would soon address issues of decency, discipline, and decorum in Parliament, saying humorously that he would return to do so “with a hammer and not a gavel.”
It would be recalled that during the vetting of the Chief Justice nominee on Monday, November 10, tensions flared between Majority Leader, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, and Minority Leader, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin. The Minority Caucus subsequently protested and walked out of the vetting session, citing pending court cases concerning the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, and later rejected the nominee.