By: Akua Oteng Amponsah
Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has rendered an unreserved apology to the Judiciary following the heated exchanges that marred the vetting of Chief Justice nominee, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, on Monday, November 10.
Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, November 11, Mr. Bagbin expressed regret over the incident and reaffirmed the House’s respect for the Judiciary as a coequal branch of government under Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.
“On your behalf, I extend our deepest apologies and assurances of Parliament’s continued respect for the Judiciary and its esteemed members,” Mr. Bagbin said.
The Speaker reminded Members of Parliament of the need to adhere to the Standing Orders, which guide parliamentary conduct.
“Parliamentary rules caution members against imputing improper motives or using words that are disrespectful or likely to cause offence. The Standing Orders serve as a reminder that our proceedings must always reflect the dignity and integrity of Parliament as a key organ of state,” he noted.
Reiterating the principle of separation of powers, Mr. Bagbin underscored that the Judiciary remains independent and must not be subjected to the control or direction of any person or authority.
“I wish to reaffirm Parliament’s unwavering respect for the Judiciary as a coequal arm of governance under Article 125(1) of the 1992 Constitution,” he stated.
He disclosed that he had instructed the leadership of the Appointments Committee to take lessons from the recent incident and ensure that future vetting sessions uphold “the highest standards of civility, objectivity, and institutional respect.”
Mr. Bagbin further emphasized Parliament’s commitment to preserving its longstanding cooperation and mutual regard with the Judiciary, describing both institutions as vital partners in Ghana’s democratic governance.
Concluding his remarks, the Speaker cautioned MPs to maintain decorum in future proceedings, hinting at tougher disciplinary measures for misconduct.
“I will come back on this issue of decency, discipline, and decorum and this time, I am coming with the hammer, not the gavel,” he warned.
