Martin Kpebu questions Speaker’s authority to suspend MPs, calls for legal redress

Legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has raised concerns over the Speaker of Parliament’s authority to suspend Members of Parliament (MPs), warning that such a move could set a troubling precedent for Ghana’s legislative process.

The controversy follows Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision to suspend four MPs—Frank Annoh-Dompreh (Nsawam-Adoagyiri), Alhassan Tampuli Sulemana (Gushegu), Jerry Ahmed Shaib (Weija-Gbawe), and Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor (South Dayi)—for their involvement in chaotic scenes during the recent ministerial vetting.

Kpebu, speaking on TV3’s The Key Points, argued that the law does not explicitly empower the Speaker to unilaterally suspend MPs for extended periods. He urged the affected MPs to seek legal redress, asserting that the matter raises significant constitutional concerns.

“This decision is problematic. While the Speaker has a duty to maintain order in Parliament, completely barring MPs from participating for two weeks without clear constitutional backing is excessive,” Kpebu stated. “If allowed to stand, this could be used arbitrarily in the future.”

In addition to the legal dispute, Kpebu also pointed out structural and procedural issues within Parliament, particularly the venue used for the Appointments Committee’s vetting of President John Mahama’s ministerial nominees.

He described the conference room as cramped, poorly ventilated, and unfit for such a critical process, calling for a more spacious venue to accommodate both lawmakers and the public.

“That room is far too small. Some air conditioners weren’t even working, and within minutes, people were drenched in sweat. It felt like a death trap,” he said, stressing the need for transparency and public accessibility in parliamentary proceedings.

Kpebu proposed that future vetting sessions be held in a larger venue with a capacity of at least 1,000, arguing that broader public participation enhances accountability and democratic governance.