Speaker disappointment over MPs’ silence on offensive comment – Nsemkeka
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has openly criticised Members of Parliament for what he described as a collective failure to uphold accountability within the chamber following an offensive comment made months ago that remains unresolved.
Addressing the House during its sitting on Tuesday, May 27, Speaker Bagbin expressed deep disappointment over the inability of MPs to identify the colleague responsible for an insulting remark directed at Korle Klottey MP, Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings, during a debate on February 4, 2025.
“…The investigations are still ongoing, but to be frank with you, I am very disappointed that a member seated in this House, surrounded by colleagues, could make such a statement and yet not a single member can point out who it was,” he stated.
He noted that three MPs seated in the area from which the voice emanated had already been identified, yet no one had come forward with a name.
He further questioned the inaction from both sides of the House, particularly the majority, which holds numerical strength.
“With all your numbers, watching the minority side, you mean to tell me that none of you can identify the person who spoke? The person did not speak once, but twice. Even the Minority Leader turned in that direction during the incident, and still, no one can identify the individual. I am very disappointed,” he added.
Speaker Bagbin also expressed concern over the lack of visual evidence, stating that even the CCTV systems in the chamber failed to capture the person responsible.
He noted that “these are serious matters, and when they are properly brought to me, I will take action.”