I will not tolerate your disrespect – Alban Bagbin warns Okudzeto

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has issued a stern warning to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, threatening to issue a warrant of arrest if the minister continues to ignore parliamentary summons.

This warning followed a heated exchange in Parliament after the Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, failed to appear before the House to answer urgent questions without offering any explanation.

Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga requested that the questions be rescheduled, suggesting the minister might be out of the country and unreachable due to foreign travel.

“It is understandable; he’s the Foreign Affairs Minister. Sometimes he may be in jurisdictions where it’s hard to reach him,” Ayariga explained.

However, Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh rejected the excuse, criticizing the lack of prior communication.

“From last Friday up to now, are you telling me the Foreign Minister is on the moon? What kind of network is he using so that no one can reach him?” he questioned, calling the situation unacceptable and stressing that ministers must be held accountable.

Annoh-Dompreh also highlighted the unexplained absences of the Fisheries and Transport Ministers, raising concerns about a growing trend of ministers avoiding parliamentary scrutiny.

Though Roads and Highways Minister Kwame Governs Agbodza later claimed the Foreign Minister’s return was delayed due to unforeseen duties, Speaker Bagbin remained unconvinced.

“The Minister for Foreign Affairs knows the rules. Other ministers who could not appear today followed the right procedure and notified the Clerk and myself. The Minister for Foreign Affairs did not. We will not tolerate this disrespect to the House,” he stated.

Citing Standing Order 134, the Speaker reminded the House of his authority to issue a summons or warrant of arrest for anyone who fails to appear when ordered.

“Let it be known to all – we have these powers, and we will execute them if necessary. Parliament is not to be taken for granted,” he declared.

He emphasized that while Parliament has exercised restraint out of respect for democratic cooperation, continued disregard will not be tolerated.

Bagbin concluded by urging the rescheduling of the minister’s appearance and insisted that he must personally explain his absence.