Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, on Monday, July 22, walked out the Member of Parliament for Sefwi Wiawso, Dr Kwaku Afriyie.
This occurred after the legislator, representing the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) was held in contempt of the chair for making comments that the Speaker deemed rude.
During proceedings on Monday, the Speaker announced that the House had been notified about the nomination of new judges to the Supreme Court.
He added that “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.”
MP for Sefwi Wiawso, Dr Kwaku Afriyie
“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.”
Following the Speaker’s reading, the MP was not impressed by how Mr Bagbin made his preliminary submission.
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.”
But the Speaker would have none of that.
The legislator appears to have made further comments off the record.
However, the Speaker seems to have heard it and ordered that the Sefwi Wiawso MP vacate the chamber.
“Marshal, take him out of the House. I will not entertain such disrespect. It lies in my mouth,” he exclaimed.
The Marshal was subsequently seen trying to force the MP out as he resisted initially but eventually left the chamber.