You represent Sefwi-Wiawso, I represent the entire Ghana – Bagbin tells MP after sacking him for ‘rude’ comment

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Sefwi-Wiawso, Dr Kwaku Afriyie, has incurred the wrath of Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, leading to his sacking from the chamber during proceedings on Monday, July 22.

The lawmaker had told the speaker that it did not rest with him to remind lawmakers about the standing orders, especially regarding the nominations made to the Supreme Court.

This comment infuriated the speaker, causing him to walk the MP out of the Chamber.

The Speaker ordered the Marshall of Parliament to walk the lawmaker out after the New Patriotic Party (NPP) lawmaker challenged the authority of the speaker, who made preliminary comments on the referral of nominees to the Supreme Court, on Monday, July 22.

The speaker had said after referring to the nominees, “Please, you have to apply for the new standing orders in this matter, but by giving you the information, I have given you an idea of the expectations of the people of Ghana, that’s for you to consider as part of the report. It is for the House to decide as to whether we will approve or disapprove those nominations. His Excellency clearly stated that he is constitutionally injuncted to do what has been done and it is not for you to also look at.”

Following this remark, Dr Afriyie rose and said, “Mr Speaker, with all due respect to your chair, this preliminary comment you are making is prejudicial, and I believe that, as representing the good people of Sefwi-Wiawso, it doesn’t lie in your mouth to remind us of the things that you have said, Thank you.”

A furious Speaker Bagbin then said, “This is a completely rude remark, and I can send you out of the House now. It lies in my authority to do so. You represent the good people of Sefwi-Wiawso, and I represent the whole country. Please Marshall take him out of the house. I will not entertain such disrespect.”