The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has directed the Marshal to remove Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, the Member of Parliament for Sefwi-Wiawso, from the parliamentary chamber following a disrespectful comment.
During a discussion about the nomination of two justices to the Supreme Court by President Akufo-Addo, Speaker Bagbin emphasized the need to consider the full complement of the Supreme Court when the Appointments Committee presents its report.
Dr. Afriyie interjected, arguing, “I believe that as representative of the good people of Sefwi-Wiawso, it does not lie in your mouth to remind us of the things that you said.”
This remark provoked the Speaker’s ire, leading him to order Dr. Afriyie’s expulsion, stating, “This is a completely rude remark and I can send you out of the house now in light of my authority to do so. You represent the good people of Sefwi-Wiawso; I represent the whole country. Please, Marshal, take him out of the house. I will not tolerate such disrespect.”
In the aftermath of the incident, the Majority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, apologized to the Speaker on behalf of the caucus. “Speaker, we acknowledge the wisdom you have guided us, and how we have navigated us to this point. We have had moments of tension, and all that you have shown leadership,” he said.
Annoh-Dompreh expressed regret over the situation, adding, “What happened a moment ago was unfortunate. I want to render my apologies to you and your office, and we hope that this draws the curtains. We are very sorry, we apologize sincerely for what happened. I say this on behalf of the member and also on behalf of the entire caucus, we are sorry.”