Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has issued a formal apology to members of the judiciary following a heated exchange between Minority Leader Alex
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has issued a formal apology to members of the judiciary following a heated exchange between Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga during the vetting of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, President Mahama’s nominee for Chief Justice.
The altercation, which stemmed from political disagreements, prompted the Minority to stage a walkout from the proceedings.
Addressing Parliament, Speaker Bagbin reminded lawmakers of their duty to maintain decorum and discipline during both plenary and committee sittings.
“Honorable Members, the Standing Orders require us to maintain order and decorum in the House and in committee, and to refrain from offensive, insulting, or unbecoming language,” he cautioned.
He referenced Order 123, Rule 3, which prohibits members from using disrespectful language or imputing improper motives to others.
The confrontation reportedly began when Mr. Afenyo-Markin referred to Justice Baffoe-Bonnie as a “disputed nominee.” Mr. Ayariga objected to the remark, calling it politically inappropriate. In response, the Minority Leader accused the Majority of attempting to stifle legitimate scrutiny.
Observers have linked the tension to campaign rhetoric from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2024 elections, which predicted that Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo would be replaced — a development now fulfilled under the Mahama administration.
Reaffirming Parliament’s respect for the judiciary, Speaker Bagbin cited Article 125(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees the independence of the courts. He stressed that all three arms of government — the executive, legislature, and judiciary — must operate “with mutual respect and restraint.”
He further directed the Appointments Committee to ensure that future vetting sessions are conducted with “the highest standards of civility, objectivity, and institutional respect.”
Concluding his remarks, Speaker Bagbin said:
“On your behalf, I extend our deepest apologies and assurances of continued respect for the judiciary and its esteemed members.”