The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has formally apologized to members of Ghana’s Judiciary following what he described as “discourteous” remarks and conduct exhibited during the vetting of Chief Justice nominee, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie.
Delivering his apology on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Speaker Bagbin acknowledged that certain comments and behaviour from some Members of Parliament during the Appointments Committee session were inappropriate and disrespectful toward the dignitaries from the Judiciary who were present.
“My attention has been drawn to certain comments and conduct of some Members which appeared discourteous and disrespectful to distinguished members of the Judiciary during the vetting of the Chief Justice nominee. Such conduct, though not representative of the collective will of Parliament, is regrettable and inconsistent with the decorum expected of Members,” he said.
Citing the Standing Orders of Parliament, the Speaker emphasized that all Members are required to maintain order and uphold civility both in the chamber and during committee sittings. He underscored that proceedings must always reflect the dignity and integrity of Parliament as a key organ of state.
“The Judiciary is an arm of government, and Parliament must always conduct itself with utmost respect for the other branches, particularly the Judiciary, whose independence is guaranteed under Article 125 of the 1992 Constitution,” he added.
Speaker Bagbin further reminded Members that the principle of separation of powers is not optional but a constitutional imperative that safeguards accountability and institutional balance among the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary.
He has since directed the leadership of the Appointments Committee to ensure that future vetting sessions are conducted with the highest standards of civility, professionalism, and institutional respect.
Concluding his address, Speaker Bagbin hinted at plans to enforce stricter standards of discipline in parliamentary proceedings, saying he “will return to address the issue of decency, discipline, and decorum with a hammer, not a gavel.”
The apology comes a day after a heated confrontation erupted between Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin during the vetting session. The altercation led to the Minority’s protest and walkout over pending cases involving the Chief Justice nominee.
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