Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has criticised Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin over the Abu Jinapor removal from the Chamber, describing the decision as “harsh, high-handed and unfair.”
Afenyo-Markin said the Damongo MP should not have been ejected after raising concerns about the alleged sale of diplomatic passports, arguing that Parliament should have allowed the matter to be investigated.
Speaker orders Jinapor out
Jinapor had alleged during proceedings on Tuesday, November 3, that diplomatic passports were being sold for between $10,000 and $50,000. Majority Leader James Agalga challenged him to provide evidence or withdraw the claim.
Speaker Bagbin later directed Jinapor to retract the allegation. After a prolonged exchange, the Damongo MP withdrew the statement, but the Speaker still ordered the Parliamentary Marshal to escort him out of the Chamber.
Afenyo-Markin said MPs should be able to bring matters of public concern before Parliament without first being required to prove every detail themselves.
He argued that the appropriate response was to refer the allegation to a relevant parliamentary committee to establish the facts.
“The Majority Leader should have taken the concerns on board and supported a process to establish the facts,” the Minority Leader said.
Minority defends walkout
Afenyo-Markin also questioned the Speaker’s decision to remove Jinapor after, according to the Minority, the MP had already withdrawn the statement.
The Minority caucus subsequently walked out of the Chamber in solidarity with Jinapor.
Afenyo-Markin said the walkout was intended to defend the rights and privileges of MPs and the Minority’s role in demanding accountability from government.
The caucus insists Parliament must remain a forum where legislators can raise concerns, seek answers and press for investigations into allegations involving public officials.
The dispute has intensified political tensions over diplomatic passport issuance and the Minority’s scrutiny of Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. Afenyo-Markin said such allegations should be properly investigated before they are dismissed.
READ ALSO: Afenyo-Markin Warns Drug Trafficking Threatens Youth
