Speaker Bagbin lauded for whipping Sefwi Wiawso MP in line

A concerned youth group in the Sefwi Wiawso Constituency of the Western North Region, is praising the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, for what they say is his astute defense of the honour and dignity of the people’s Legislature.

In an exclusive interview with journalists at Amafie in the Sefwi Wiawso Constituency, the group represented by Mr. Frank Mintah, alias T.K, said the Speaker’s decision to walk out the MP for Sefwi Wiawso, Hon. Dr. Kwaku Afriyie from Parliament after the MP rudely told off the Speaker was very exemplary.

“The people of this country elected the Speaker and mandated him to oversee the affairs of Parliament, such disrespectful behaviour to the Speaker therefore is disrespect to all of us,” Mr. Frank Mintah, a respected NPP man who hails from Amafie in the Sefwi Wiawso constituency said.

He continues, “we are therefore very pleased that the Speaker stamped his foot firmly on the ground and walked him out of the august House. He is an embarrassment to the constituency and I have regretted that he is my uncle.”

On Monday, July 22, 2024, the Rt. Hon. A.S.K Bagbin walked out the Member of Parliament for Sefwi Wiawso, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie.

This occurred after the ruling New Patriotic Party MP was held in contempt of the chair for making comments that the Speaker deemed rude.

The Speaker had announced during proceedings on Monday, that the House had been notified about the nomination of new judges to the Supreme Court.

"In giving you the information, I have given you an idea of the expectations of the people of Ghana. That is for you to consider as part of the report and the House to decide as to whether we will approve or disapprove those nominations," the Speaker said.

"His Excellency clearly stated that he is constitutionally injuncted to do what he has done, and so it is now for you to also look at."

However, for no fathomable reason, the Sefwi Wiawso MP, who was itching to catch the Speaker’s eye so he would be given the floor while the Speaker was speaking, stood up and rudely told the Speaker not to be telling them what to do when he was given the opportunity to speak.

He described the Speaker's remarks as prejudicial. "And I believe that as one representing the good people of Sefwi Wiawso, it doesn't lie in your mouth to remind us of the things that you have said."

In reaction to this rude comment, the Speaker pointed out to him, that he the MP was only representing Sefwi Wiawso while he the Speaker represents the whole of Ghana.

The Rt. Hon. A.S.K Bagbin then followed up by directing the marshal to remove the MP from the House which was promptly effected.

"Marshal, take him out of the House. I will not entertain such disrespect. It lies in my mouth," he exclaimed.

According to Mr. Frank Mintah, whose uncle is the MP, the Speaker’s action was good and was welcome by all well-meaning Ghanaians.

“There is too much indiscipline in our country already without rude MPs joining in the fray. The Speaker spoke on behalf of all of us when he removed the offending MP, many people of Sefwi Wiawso have phoned me to condemn my uncle for his disrespectful behaviour towards the brilliant and hardworking speaker Bagbin. I would on behalf of the concerned youth of Sefwi Wiawso like to commend Speaker Bagbin for being a disciplinarian. I would also want to commend Hon. Annor Dompreh, the Majority Chief Whip, for apologizing to the Speaker on behalf of the MP and the Majority Caucus. Even the Bible and the Quran enjoin us to respect authority.” Mr. Frank Mintah said on behalf of the group.