Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has proposed holding an annual prayer meeting within the parliamentary chamber to address persistent disorderly conduct among Members of Parliament (MPs).
According to the Speaker, an unidentified influence within the chamber appears to be affecting MPs’ behaviour, particularly following the recent disruption at the Appointments Committee sitting.
Speaking at a breakfast prayer meeting, he expressed concerns over the stark contrast between MPs’ decorum in private meetings and their unruly behaviour in parliamentary sessions.
Bagbin further noted that chaos frequently erupts whenever his deputies preside over proceedings, whereas order is generally maintained when he occupies the Speaker’s chair.
This recurring pattern, he suggested, raises questions about the influence of leadership dynamics in parliamentary conduct.
He also underscored the significance of impartiality in parliamentary proceedings, pointing to Ghana’s decision to have a Speaker who is not a sitting MP. “If the person presiding can vote, it creates bias, leading to disorder. That’s why deputies, when they take the chair, act the way they do,” he explained.
The Speaker’s remarks highlight growing concerns over parliamentary discipline and the need for measures—both spiritual and structural to ensure order and unity in the house.
