The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has announced plans to hold the next annual prayer meeting in the chamber of Parliament to exorcise any spirit of disorder among Members of Parliament (MPs). He believes that there is something within the chamber that is influencing the conduct of MPs, especially following the recent chaos at the Appointments Committee sitting.
Speaking at a breakfast prayer meeting, he expressed his concerns regarding the differing behaviours of MPs in private versus in the chamber. He noted that while MPs behave respectfully during private meetings, their conduct in Parliament is often disorderly.
“I keep wondering, what is inside them?” he said. “The great men and women of the gospel will testify that when they are in church, they behave differently, but in Parliament, it’s a whole different story. If this is the culture of politics, then we truly need God’s intervention.”
Speaker Bagbin expressed his disbelief at the recurring chaos that ensues whenever his deputies preside over Parliament. He noted that order is maintained when he is in the chair, but the situation shifts dramatically in his absence. “I often wonder why there is trouble when I’m not present,” he explained. “Just last week, when I handed over to my second deputy speaker, chaos erupted almost immediately. Members were on their feet, singing and shouting. I was in my office, unsure whether to rush back and take control, but I decided against it to avoid disrupting the leadership.”
He continued, “I refrained from returning immediately because that would not demonstrate leadership. Instead, I chose to watch what unfolded and reflect on why this keeps happening.” He further emphasised the importance of impartiality, saying, “There’s a reason why this country made the decision that the Speaker should not be a Member of Parliament. 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 concluded, “We need to restore order and unity in Parliament, but that requires a change, and I believe divine intervention is necessary.” Speaker Bagbin’s remarks highlight his concerns about the need for a change to restore order and unity in Parliament.
By: Kareen Tei
