Parliamentary chaos: Speaker’s controversial adjournment and impeachment considerations

In the nation’s Parliament yesterday (Wednesday 20 March), Speaker Alban Bagbin sparked a significant political and legal controversy. Returning to the country just yesterday afternoon, Speaker Bagbin took immediate action that has since been widely criticised.

In an unprecedented move, he publicly rebuked President Nana Akufo-Addo and adjourned the parliamentary session without consulting other Members of Parliament (MPs).

The bone of contention arose when Speaker Bagbin unilaterally decided not to allow the Parliament to consider the President’s latest nominations. He justified his decision by citing an application for an interlocutory injunction filed in the case of Rockson-Nelson Etse K. Dafeamekpor versus the Attorney-General.

This legal move, according to the Speaker, ostensibly prevented the Parliament from proceeding with the vetting and approval of the President’s nominees in a bid to uphold the rule of law.

The case, marked as Suit no. J1/12/2024, was reportedly served on the Speaker and the Attorney-General on 19 March 2024, with an injunction motion on notice aimed at restraining the Speaker from moving forward with the nominations until the Constitution’s provisions were fully satisfied.

Bagbin’s decision to halt parliamentary proceedings on these grounds was met with immediate backlash, raising questions about the integrity and motivations behind his actions.

However, a thorough investigation conducted this morning at the Supreme Court’s Registry has unveiled a startling revelation: there is, in fact, no application for an interlocutory injunction as referred to by Speaker Bagbin.

Furthermore, the suit initiated by Dafeamekpor appears to be improperly constituted due to the absence of a statement of case. Legal experts pointed out that without this crucial component, the suit stands at risk of being dismissed after 14 days.

The Speaker’s conduct, particularly his decision to speak from the chair and address the global audience on a matter now proven to be false, has raised serious concerns about his leadership and adherence to the truth. The revelation that no such legal injunction existed has cast a shadow over the parliamentary proceedings, suggesting that the Speaker’s actions were not only baseless but potentially deceptive.

Calls for accountability are now louder than ever, with some members of Parliament and political analysts suggesting that the situation warrants considering impeachment proceedings against Speaker Bagbin. The incident has not only marred the reputation of the parliamentary leadership but also threatened the principle of democratic governance and the rule of law.

As the country awaits further developments, the political landscape remains tense. The actions of Speaker Bagbin have opened a Pandora’s box of legal and ethical questions, setting the stage for a potentially prolonged political standoff. The coming days are likely to be crucial as Parliament grapples with the implications of this incident and considers the appropriate course of action to restore its integrity and uphold democratic values.

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