The Minority Caucus has criticized Speaker Bagbin's decision to suspend three of its members as unfortunate, calling it a “blatant display of selective justice” and an affront to democratic principles.
This follows the suspension of Frank Annoh-Dompreh (Nsawam-Adoagyiri), Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli (Gushegu), and Jerry Ahmed Shaib (Weija-Gbawe) after the January 30 chaos in parliament.
In a statement dated January 31, they are demanding the immediate reversal of this politically charged decision.
"We categorically reject the suspension of these three MPs and demand an immediate reversal of this politically charged decision.
If this unjustifiable action is not addressed, it will set a precedent where the speaker becomes an unchecked authority, weaponising disciplinary measures against those who do not align with his preferred political narratives."
In its statement, the Minority argued that the Speaker’s decision bypassed parliamentary due process, violating Standing Orders 130(a) and (b) and Article 19(1) of Ghana’s Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair hearing.
They further Minority accused Speaker Bagbin of inconsistency, citing past instances such as the 2021 Speakership election, the July 2024 Supreme Court judges’ nomination hearing, and the E-levy brawl where similar or even greater disruptions occurred without suspensions.
They questioned why the Speaker opted for such “harsh punishment” now, suggesting political bias.
“The Speaker himself has, on numerous occasions, presided over a Parliament where similar or worse incidents occurred, yet no such punitive measures were taken.
“The refusal to apply the same standard in previous instances makes this decision appear politically motivated, aimed at intimidating certain Members of Parliament and silencing dissent,” the statement added.
