The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has issued a formal apology to the Judiciary following the heated exchanges that occurred during the vetting of Chief Justice nominee, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, on Monday, November 10.
In a statement to the House on Tuesday November 11, Mr. Bagbin expressed regret over the incident and reaffirmed Parliament’s deep respect for the Judiciary as a coequal arm of government under Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.
“Parliamentary rules caution members against imputing improper motives or using words that are disrespectful or likely to cause offence. The Standing Orders serve as a reminder that our proceedings must always reflect the dignity and integrity of Parliament as a key organ of state,” he stated.
Mr. Bagbin stressed that the Judiciary remains independent and must not be subjected to control or direction from any person or authority.
He reminded members of the doctrine of separation of powers, which requires the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary to relate to one another with mutual respect and restraint.
“I wish to reaffirm Parliament’s unwavering respect for the Judiciary as a coequal arm of governance under Article 125(1) of the 1992 Constitution,” he said.
The Speaker further disclosed that he has directed the leadership of the Appointments Committee to take note of the incident and ensure that “in all future proceedings, the highest standards of civility, objectivity, and institutional respect are maintained.”
He noted that Parliament cherishes its longstanding cooperation and mutual regard with the Judiciary and remains committed to strengthening that relationship in the collective service of Ghanaians and the country’s constitutional democracy.
“On your behalf, I extend our deepest apologies and assurances of Parliament’s continued respect for the Judiciary and its esteemed members,” Mr. Bagbin said.
Concluding his remarks, the Speaker cautioned members to uphold decency and discipline in future deliberations, warning that he would take firm action to maintain order. “I will come back on this issue of decency, discipline, and decorum—and this time, I am coming with the hammer, not the gavel,” he declared.
