Bagbin spares Dr. Afriyie him from Privileges Committee

Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has declined to refer Effiduase-Asokore MP, Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie, to the Privileges Committee.

This follows a heated incident in Parliament on June 10 over the refusal to allow an urgent statement on the ongoing strike by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA).

Tensions flared when First Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, blocked Dr. Afriyie’s attempt to address the House on the nurses’ strike, which has disrupted healthcare services since June 4. Ahiafor cited procedural breaches and ordered the MP to be removed from the chamber, sparking strong reactions from the Minority.

Addressing the matter, Speaker Bagbin acknowledged the seriousness of the nurses’ strike but criticised Dr. Afriyie for not going through the proper parliamentary procedures. He reminded MPs that the title “Honourable” comes with the responsibility of respecting the rules and authority of the House.

Despite his disapproval, the Speaker decided not to refer the matter to the Privileges Committee for disciplinary action.

Meanwhile, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has pledged his side’s full cooperation with the Speaker.