Misbehaviour in the Chamber: Concerns mount over Speaker Bagbin’s lenient approach to Parliamentary misconduct

It is worrying that Speaker Alban Bagbin’s restrained response to recent acts of indiscipline on the Floor of Parliament is raising fresh concerns about the growing culture of impunity among Members of Parliament.

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I am of the view that this lenient posture has emboldened MPs and is exacerbating misconduct in the House. The Speaker’s refusal to crack the whip on MPs involved in chaotic scenes on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, is seen as a continuation of his hands-off approach that dates back to similar incidents in the 8th Parliament.

It would be noted that since Parliament failed to adequately address the disorder that occurred during the election of the Speaker at the beginning of the 8th Parliament, incidents of dishonourable behavior have reemerged repeatedly—including during vetting sessions held by the Appointments Committee in the 9th Parliament.

While an ad hoc committee was constituted by the Speaker to investigate one such earlier episode and provide recommendations, its report is yet to be presented to the House. Meanwhile, incidents of misconduct continue to rear their head without consequence, raising questions about Parliament’s ability and willingness to enforce discipline among its members.

These persistent signs of disorder and lack of punitive action, could further damage the credibility of Parliament and erode public trust in the legislative body.

To protect the enviable image of the Parliament of Ghana and the Rt. Hon. Speaker Alban Sumana Bagbin, across the world, the kid gloves and the father-for-all approach to clear acts of indiscipline and misconduct must be shelved for better days ahead.

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Over to you Mr. Speaker. I rest my case.
God bless our homeland Ghana.

Written by Clement Akoloh: Communication Officer, Parliamentary Network Africa (PNAfrica)