Home - Afenyo-Markin accuses Speaker Bagbin of 'parliamentary bullying'

Minority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin has accused Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin of presiding over what he describes as parliamentary bullying after removing Damongo MP Samuel Abu Jinapor from the chamber.

He said the Speaker's decision to uphold the directive for Jinapor to leave the Chamber, despite the MP withdrawing his comments on the alleged sale of Ghanaian diplomatic passports, was unfair and humiliating.

Afenyo-Markin blasts Speaker Bagbin

Addressing journalists on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, on behalf of the Minority Caucus, Afenyo-Markin said his colleague had complied with the Speaker's instruction and should not have been subjected to further punishment.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, during proceedings in Parliament, when Jinapor, the Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, raised concerns that Ghanaian diplomatic passports were allegedly being sold for between US$10,000 and US$50,000.

The Speaker subsequently directed him to withdraw the allegation pending the provision of evidence.

According to the Minority, Jinapor sought clarification on the specific allegation before withdrawing his comments twice. However, the Speaker maintained his directive for the MP to leave the Chamber.

The caucus described the decision as "disproportionate, humiliating and, in its effect, an act of parliamentary bullying."

"An express withdrawal in compliance with the Speaker's directive deserves acknowledgement, not punishment," Afenyo-Markin said.

The Speaker's decision triggered a walkout by Minority MPs, who said they were protesting the treatment of their colleague.

Beyond the confrontation, the Minority Leader insisted that the allegations surrounding the issuance of diplomatic and service passports must be investigated.

He said the caucus had supporting material raising concerns about alleged false representations, impersonation and possible illicit transactions in the procurement of the travel documents.

The Minority is therefore demanding that Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa appear before Parliament to respond to the concerns.

Afenyo-Markin also accused the Majority of using its numerical strength to frustrate scrutiny and silence opposing views.

"The Majority may possess the votes, but the Minority must retain an effective voice and a keen eye for scrutiny," he stated.

He warned that the Minority would not abandon its constitutional oversight responsibilities despite what it considers attempts to intimidate its members.

"Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor shall not be silenced. The Minority Caucus shall not be silenced," he declared.

NA/BAI