Bagbin orders reconstitution of Appointments Committee

Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has instructed the Committee of Selection in Parliament to reconstitute the Appointments Committee following disruptions during the vetting session on Thursday, January 30.

Bagbin has also directed the Clerk of Parliament to formally lodge a criminal complaint with the police to facilitate a full investigation into the incident.

This is to identify those responsible and ensure accountability.

The Clerk of Parliament has also been tasked with assessing damage caused to properties in the Appointments Committee room, with members found culpable set to be surcharged for repairs.

In addition, a seven-member committee, chaired by Emmanuel Bedzrah, has been mandated to investigate the incident and submit a report within 10 days.

The findings will guide further action to prevent similar occurrences.

Meanwhile, the Majority and Minority Chief Whips, Frank Annoh-Dompreh and Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, along with Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli and Jerry Ahmed Shaib, have been suspended from parliamentary sittings for two weeks, effective Friday, January 31.

The suspension follows violent confrontations during the Appointments Committee proceedings.

Below are the full measures taken by the Speaker of Parliament

1. Suspension of MPs Involved: The two-week suspension is intended to serve as a disciplinary action against those directly involved in the altercations. The suspended members are barred from participating in parliamentary sittings and activities during this period.

2. Criminal Complaint to the Police: The Clerk of Parliament has been directed to formally lodge a criminal complaint with the police. This will pave the way for a full investigation into the incidents, ensuring that those found culpable face legal consequences.

3. Reconstitution of the Appointments Committee: The Committee of Selection has been instructed to reconstitute the Appointments Committee. This move is aimed at restoring trust and ensuring that the Committee operates effectively and without bias.

4. Assessment of Property Damage: The Clerk of Parliament has also been tasked with conducting a comprehensive assessment of the damage caused to parliamentary property during the confrontations. MPs found responsible for the destruction will be surcharged to cover the costs of repairs or replacements.

5. Seven-Member Investigative Committee: A seven-member committee, chaired by Emmanuel Bedzrah, has been established to investigate the incidents in detail.

The committee has been given a 10-day deadline to submit its findings and recommendations for further action.