Dr. Jonathan Asante Otchere, a political analyst, has raised concerns over the recent decision by Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, to suspend some Members of Parliament following chaotic scenes during a sitting of the Appointments Committee.
While Civil society organizations (CSOs) have applauded the Speaker’s move as a necessary step towards ensuring accountability in Parliament, Dr. Asante Otchere questions the effectiveness and procedural soundness of the approach.
Speaking in response to the CSOs’ statement on Hot Edition with Alfred Ocansey on February 6, Dr. Asante Otchere emphasized the need for structured and well-defined mechanisms in handling misconduct within Parliament. He argues that disciplinary measures should follow due process rather than ad hoc suspensions, which may set a problematic precedent.
“The appropriate procedure should be followed when addressing parliamentary misconduct. A formal complaint should first be submitted to the committee chairman. If the chairman deems the issue beyond his capacity, it should then be escalated to the Speaker. However, forming a seven-member committee to review such incidents does not make sense,” Dr. Asante Otchere stated.
His concerns highlight the need for a more systematic approach to maintaining order within the legislative body. While acknowledging that disorder in Parliament erodes public confidence, he insists that any punitive action must be grounded in clearly established protocols to ensure fairness and consistency.
Dr. Asante Otchere also noted that while Speaker Bagbin’s intervention may be seen as a corrective measure, it is crucial to reflect on past instances where similar incidents were overlooked.
“We must be careful not to create a system where discipline is enforced selectively,” he cautioned.
The debate surrounding parliamentary discipline continues to spark discussions on how best to balance accountability with adherence to proper parliamentary procedures. While CSOs argue that stringent sanctions are necessary to deter future misconduct, Dr. Asante Otchere warns against reactionary measures that may undermine institutional processes.
Ultimately, his perspective underscores the importance of institutional reforms that prioritize transparency, consistency, and due process in maintaining order and discipline within Parliament.
