Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has called for greater civility and mutual respect among Members of Parliament following a tense exchange between Majority and Minority leaders during the vetting of Chief Justice nominee, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, on Monday, November 10.
The Speaker has directed the leadership of the Appointments Committee to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and institutional respect in all future proceedings.
The confrontation erupted when Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin described the Chief Justice nominee as a “disputed nominee.” His remark drew an immediate objection from Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, who described it as politically charged and inappropriate for the vetting process.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin, however, stood by his comment, accusing the Majority Leader of attempting to suppress legitimate parliamentary scrutiny and accountability.
Addressing the matter on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, November 11, Speaker Bagbin reminded members of their constitutional duty to engage the Judiciary and other arms of government with restraint and respect.
“As Speaker, I wish to reaffirm Parliament’s unwavering respect for the Judiciary as a coequal arm of government under Article 125, Clause 1 of the 1992 Constitution, which vests the judicial power of Ghana in the Judiciary. The Judiciary is independent of control or direction from any person or authority,” he stated.
He stressed the importance of maintaining decorum during sensitive exercises such as the vetting of senior judicial officers.
“The doctrine of the separation of powers requires that all three arms of government—the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary—relate to one another with mutual respect and restraint,” the Speaker added.
Speaker Bagbin further instructed the Appointments Committee to learn from the incident and ensure improved conduct in subsequent vetting sessions.
“Consequently, I have directed the leadership of the Appointments Committee to take note of this incident and to ensure that in all future proceedings, the highest standards of civility, objectivity and institutional respect are maintained,” he said.
Reaffirming Parliament’s long-standing partnership with the Judiciary, the Speaker emphasized the need to preserve cooperation between the two institutions in the national interest.
“Parliament cherishes the longstanding cooperation and mutual regard between our institutions. We must remain committed to strengthening that relationship in the collective service of the people of Ghana and the protection of our constitutional democracy.”
Speaker Bagbin also extended apologies on behalf of the House.
“Honourable Members, on your behalf, I extend our deepest apologies and assurances of Parliament’s continued respect for the Judiciary and its team members,” he concluded.