Former Chairman of the Appointments Committee, Joseph Osei Owusu, has openly disagreed with Speaker Alban S.K. Bagbin’s decision to suspend four Members of Parliament (MPs), arguing that it contradicts both the Ghanaian Constitution and parliamentary standing orders.
Speaking to ABC News GH on January 3, Joe Wise emphasized that while the misconduct during the vetting process deserved condemnation, the proper disciplinary procedure was not followed.
According to him, the Privileges Committee should have been engaged before any punitive action was taken.
“The Speaker has every right to refer them to the Privileges Committee, but neither the Constitution nor our standing orders give him the power to punish before they have been heard,” he stated.
He added that the right to a fair hearing was being ignored, questioning why the MPs were suspended without first being given an opportunity to explain themselves.
Joe Wise further explained that under parliamentary rules, an MP can only be suspended if they refuse to apologize after the Privileges Committee has completed its investigation.
“The Speaker’s power to suspend only comes into play when the member refuses to apologize,” he noted, adding that a proper disciplinary process should involve questioning, deliberation, and an opportunity for defense.
The Minority Caucus, which has fiercely opposed the suspensions, has also accused Speaker Bagbin of selective justice and setting a dangerous precedent that could undermine parliamentary democracy.
The committee investigating the chaos during the vetting of ministerial nominees will however begin public hearings on Wednesday, February 5.
