Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has declined to refer Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie, the Effiduase-Asokore MP, to the Privileges Committee.
This follows yesterday’s clash over the refusal to hear an urgent statement on the ongoing nurses’ strike.
The decision comes amid escalating tensions between the Minority and the First Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, whose handling of the issue sparked a near-physical confrontation in the House.
The uproar erupted on June 10 when Ranking Member on the Health Committee, Dr. Afriyie, sought to address the strike by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), which has paralyzed healthcare services since June 4.
First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor blocked the request, citing procedural rules, and ordered the MP’s ejection after he defiantly pressed for a hearing.
The move triggered protests from Minority MPs.
Addressing the House today, Bagbin acknowledged the gravity of the nurses’ strike but rebuked Dr. Ayew Afriyie for bypassing leadership channels.
According to him, urgent statements must follow due process, adding that the title ‘Honourable’ is not decorative and it demands respect for the chair and the institution.
He stopped short of disciplinary action.
Meanwhile, Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has assured the Speaker of full cooperation from his side of the aisle.
Credit: Kenneth Awotwe Darko
