Dr. Dickson Adomako Kissi, the Member of Parliament for Anyaa-Sowutuom, has voiced concerns about what he perceives as political bias in recent rulings by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, particularly during two recent emergency sessions.
Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV on Saturday, November 9, Dr. Adomako Kissi argued that Speaker Bagbin’s decisions are adding to the polarized climate in Parliament, with his ruling to declare four seats vacant being a key point of contention.
This decision, he noted, has led to significant disruptions and two indefinite adjournments of parliamentary proceedings.
Dr. Adomako Kissi suggested that Bagbin’s long-standing association with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) might be influencing his approach, subtly impacting the impartiality expected of the Speaker’s role.
He acknowledged Bagbin’s experience and the respect he commands, yet stressed that strong political affiliations can make it challenging to remain completely neutral, especially in highly charged situations.
The MP further highlighted that the perception of bias risks undermining the Speaker’s credibility and the functioning of the legislative process, urging a more balanced approach to foster cooperation in the House.
“I respect the Speaker a lot and I think that some of his decisions are being coloured by his party affiliation and I won’t fault him for that. He has been with the party even before my birth and so I won’t fault him for that as human as we are, whether we like it or not, we all at some point, if pushed to the wall, will bring out our party colours.
“If we have had a Speaker who had never been in any party before, then I will say that I am not saying he is being partisan but this is a very respected man whose veins are heavily pumped with the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“From my infantile knowledge of the law and opinions of Supreme Court judges who rose above their time and affiliations to make rulings and judgements that have stood the test of time, I must say that at this point, I am troubled and almost in tears to say that I was really hoping that he [Speaker Bagbin] would right the wrong that Aaron Mike Oquaye did.”
