A dramatic confrontation unfolded in Parliament on Monday, July 22, 2024, as Speaker Alban Bagbin clashed with Kwaku Afriyie, the Member of Parliament for Sefwi Wiawso. The altercation erupted during a session discussing the nomination of new judges to the Supreme Court.
Speaker Bagbin began by informing the House of the nominations, emphasizing the need to consider the expectations of Ghanaians in their deliberations. “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,” Bagbin explained. He added, “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, Mr. Afriyie expressed his dissatisfaction with the Speaker’s remarks, stating, “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.”
Visibly irritated by the legislator’s comments, Speaker Bagbin promptly ordered the Marshal to remove Mr. Afriyie from the chamber. “Marshal, take him out of the House. I will not entertain such disrespect. It lies in my mouth,” he exclaimed. Asserting his authority, he further added, “You represent the good people of Sefwi Wiawso; I represent the whole country.”
