The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has declined to refer Ranking Member on the Health Committee, Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie, to the Privileges Committee following Tuesday’s tumultuous events in Parliament. The disturbance occurred when Dr. Ayew Afriyie defied First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor’s decision to disallow a statement on the ongoing strike by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA).
Dr. Ayew Afriyie insisted on addressing the House, prompting Speaker Bagbin to order his removal from the chamber. This directive sparked strong protests and disorder among Minority MPs, forcing the Speaker to suspend proceedings until Wednesday, June 11.
When proceedings resumed, Speaker Bagbin clarified that the matter would be resolved through open discussion among parliamentary leadership and members, rather than being referred to a committee. He stated:
“The Speaker, however, the situation is always right on the floor. I want Hon. Members to take this in good faith. This is not a matter to be referred to any committee. It’s a matter that I have discussed with leadership, and we have agreed that it should be resolved. And we will solve it here openly for all of us to be guided, so that in future we don’t fall foul of the law.”
The controversy began when Dr. Ayew Afriyie requested an urgent discussion on the GRNMA strike, which has significantly disrupted healthcare delivery nationwide since June 4, resulting in several deaths. The First Deputy Speaker rejected the request, citing House rules.
Dr. Ayew Afriyie has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the Deputy Speaker’s conduct, describing him as “extremely partisan” and suggesting he has a lot to learn from Speaker Bagbin regarding parliamentary procedure.
