“I’m Coming With the Hammer, Not the Gavel” — Speaker Bagbin Warns MPs After Heated Baffoe-Bonnie Vetting

Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has vowed to crack down on indiscipline in the House following the heated exchanges that disrupted the vetting of Chief Justice nominee, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, on Monday, November 10.

The session descended into chaos after a fierce confrontation between Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga. The clash began when Mr. Ayariga objected to Mr. Afenyo-Markin’s attempt to make opening remarks, insisting the matter had already been addressed through a motion he filed in Parliament.

Tensions further escalated when the Minority Leader described Justice Baffoe-Bonnie as a “disputed Chief Justice nominee” — a phrase that drew sharp protest from Mr. Ayariga, who demanded a retraction and an apology. Mr. Afenyo-Markin, however, accused the Majority Leader of bad faith and of trying to suppress the Minority’s right to free expression. He also questioned the transparency surrounding the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, intensifying the row.

Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, November 11, Mr. Bagbin described the conduct of some MPs during the vetting as unbecoming of parliamentary standards. He warned that such indiscipline would no longer be tolerated.

“I will come back on this issue of decency, discipline, and decorum — and this time, I am coming with the hammer, not the gavel,” the Speaker declared firmly.

Mr. Bagbin reminded members that the Standing Orders forbid the use of offensive language or imputations of improper motives, urging MPs to conduct themselves with dignity and respect.

“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 emphasised.

He reaffirmed Parliament’s deep respect for the Judiciary as a coequal arm of government under Article 125(1) of the 1992 Constitution and called for continued mutual respect among the three arms of government in line with the doctrine of separation of powers.

The Speaker also directed the leadership of the Appointments Committee to uphold the highest standards of civility, objectivity, and institutional respect during future vetting sessions.

“Parliament values its longstanding cooperation and mutual regard with the Judiciary. We must remain committed to strengthening this bond in service to Ghanaians and our constitutional democracy,” he stated.

Mr. Bagbin further extended Parliament’s apology to the Judiciary over the tensions, assuring that the Legislature remains dedicated to preserving harmony between the two branches of government.