Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has cautioned Members of Parliament (MPs) to respect the office of the Speaker, regardless of personal or political disagreements.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, June 11, Mr. Bagbin underscored the substantial powers vested in the Speaker by the Parliament Act of 1965 and the Standing Orders of the House.
“Even a dog is obeyed in office,” he remarked, stressing the importance of maintaining decorum and upholding the Speaker’s authority.
He reminded MPs that while the Speaker’s rulings are final on the floor, there are laid-down procedures for challenging them through proper channels.
“Honourable Members, I don’t need to tell you about the powers of the Speaker. They are clearly stated in the law,” he said.
“If you read the Parliament Act of 1965 and the Standing Orders of the House, they are actually colossal. If fully applied, they could pose serious danger to the career progression of Members of Parliament,” Bagbin warned.
His comments come in the wake of rising tensions in the House, including a recent clash between the Minority and First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor over the rejection of a statement on the ongoing nurses’ strike.
Bagbin called for restraint and mutual respect, stressing that the Speaker’s authority is central to maintaining order and the integrity of parliamentary proceedings.
