Vetting chaos: ‘I was shocked to see MPs fight in Parliament’ — Sam Okudzeto

A former Member of Parliament and Council of State member, Samuel Awuku Okudzeto, has expressed shock at the chaos that erupted during the January 30 vetting session.

There was a clash between the Minority and Majority caucuses over the vetting of Kwabena Mintah Akandoh and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa after the NPP side pushed for a rescheduling due to the late hours.

The Majority rejected the appeal, resulting in chaos as Minority members disrupted the session, breaking tables and microphones in an attempt to halt the process.

According to Sam Okudzeto, witnessing such behavior left him in shock and, in his view, highlights the need for Members of Parliament to change their attitudes.

“Fighting in Parliament, throwing benches, and breaking things—it’s a shock to me. I can’t believe it,” he said.

He further recalled the fight during the election of Speaker Alban Bagbin in 2021, noting that it was bad but not as chaotic as the recent incident.

“Even what happened during Speaker Bagbin’s election was bad compared to this. Brawling and actually throwing chairs—it’s a different thing altogether. It’s gone to a worse dimension,” he lamented.

The NPP stalwart called for a change in behavior among MPs. “Perhaps it’s time for us to change our attitude, conduct, and behavior, rather than simply holding on to the title ‘honorable.’”

Meanwhile, Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Bagbin has lifted the two-week suspension imposed on Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, MP for South Dayi; Majority Chief Whip and MP for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh; Weija-Gbawe MP, Jerry Ahmed; and Gushegu MP, Alhassan Tampuli, over their involvement in the incident.

After hearing pleas from both the Majority Leader and the Minority Leader on Tuesday, February 4, the Speaker lifted the ban but emphasized that investigations would still proceed.

“Our Standing Orders grant me the power and authority to do what I did. I have lifted the suspension order. I do so instantly, and it takes effect immediately,” he said.