Minority Accuses Speaker Bagbin of Obstructing Parliamentary Debate
Minority Warns Procedural Delays Are Stifling Debate and Undermining Democratic Oversight
- The Minority in Parliament accuses Speaker Alban Bagbin of creating procedural roadblocks that delay or dismiss motions and questions
- Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin warns that such actions foster a “subtle culture of silence,” limiting effective debate on national issues
- The caucus urges the Speaker to prioritize the substance of parliamentary business over technicalities to uphold fairness and strengthen Ghana’s democracy
The Minority in Parliament has accused Speaker Alban Bagbin of erecting procedural hurdles that, they claim, hinder effective parliamentary oversight and debate.
Speaking at a press briefing titled “Holding Government to Account” on Monday, January 26, 2026, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin said their caucus has repeatedly faced delays and dismissals of motions and questions on the House floor.
He described the situation as a “subtle culture of silence” in which important issues are increasingly obstructed through technicalities.
“We recognize that Mr. Speaker is a senior NDC member. But his position requires him to safeguard both sides of Parliament,” Mr. Afenyo-Markin emphasized, noting that the Speaker’s impartiality is vital to strengthening Ghana’s democracy.
He urged the Speaker to prioritize the substance of parliamentary business over procedural technicalities, highlighting that fairness and equity demand equal treatment for all members.
“Mr. Speaker is doing work that matters for Ghana and the growth of democracy. Substance must come before form,” the Minority Leader added.
The Minority concluded that a thriving democracy depends on an environment where national issues can be raised, debated, and scrutinized freely, without undue obstruction.
