A physical altercation in Ghana’s Parliament has led to the suspension of four lawmakers following a violent clash that occurred during a ministerial screening session. The incident took place on Thursday, February 1, 2025, when tensions boiled over among members of the parliamentary committee responsible for vetting nominees from the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC). The confrontation escalated into a physical fight, causing damage to parliamentary furniture and equipment. Speaker Alban Bagbin condemned the actions, emphasizing that they represented a “gross affront to the dignity of Parliament.”
The suspended lawmakers are Rockson Nelson Etse Kwame Dafeamakpor, Frank Annor-Dompreh, Alhassan Sulemana Tampuuli, and Jerry Ahmed Shaib. In response to the chaotic scenes, Speaker Bagbin announced that the four MPs would be suspended for two weeks, and a special seven-member committee has been set up to investigate the incident. The committee is tasked with submitting a report within ten days to determine the cause of the altercation and whether further disciplinary action is needed.
This disruptive event comes at a time of heightened political tension in Ghana. The country is preparing for its general elections on December 7, 2024, and the political climate has been particularly charged. Recent developments, including a Supreme Court ruling that restored the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) slim parliamentary majority, have intensified partisan rivalries. The ruling reinstated the NPP’s majority of 138 seats over the NDC’s 137 seats, further exacerbating the already heated political environment in the country.
The brawl has sparked outrage both inside and outside Parliament, with critics arguing that such behavior undermines the integrity of Ghana’s democratic institutions. Political analysts and citizens alike have expressed concern over the negative impact the incident could have on the public’s perception of the country’s governance. Many have called for stricter rules and reforms to prevent future incidents of violence and restore the dignity of parliamentary proceedings.
As the investigation into the brawl unfolds, the suspended lawmakers and their political parties will face increased scrutiny. The outcome of the investigation and any subsequent disciplinary actions will be closely watched, as they could have far-reaching implications for Ghana’s political landscape, especially as the nation heads into its critical election year. The event has highlighted the growing polarization in the country’s political discourse and raised questions about the behavior expected from elected officials in such a prominent forum.
