A significant political storm is currently engulfing the Ghanaian Parliament, ignited by a formal request from the Minority Leader, Hon. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, to initiate a probe into the misconduct of Ho West MP, Hon. Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah.
The demand, outlined in a memorandum dated June 2, 2025, to the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament cites an incident that unfolded on March 28 during deliberations on the Gold Board Bill.
According to Afenyo-Markin, Hon. Bedzrah “unilaterally and inappropriately switched off the microphone” of Minority Chief Whip Hon. Frank Annoh-Dompreh while he was addressing the Chair.
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This act, the Minority Leader asserts, constitutes not only a breach of Standing Orders but also a direct threat to parliamentary decorum.
“This conduct carried out in full view of the House, was wholly inappropriate and contrary to the rules and conventions governing proceedings in the Chamber,” the memorandum states, adding that it “undermines the authority of the House and risks setting a precedent that threatens the conduct of parliamentary business.”
Citing Orders 30 and 31 of the Standing Orders of Parliament, the Minority Leader argues that Hon. Bedzrah’s action amounts to contempt of Parliament. Order 30 explicitly defines contempt as any act that “obstructs or impedes Parliament” or “affronts the dignity of Parliament,” while Order 31 addresses misconduct and acts of intimidation that violate parliamentary privilege.
Afenyo-Markin is therefore calling for the Speaker to refer the matter to the esteemed Committee of Privileges and Immunities for a thorough investigation.
Furthermore, the Minority Leader has stressed what he describes as a disturbing “pattern of misconduct” by Hon. Bedzrah. He recalled a similar incident earlier this year where Bedzrah was asked to recuse himself as Chair of an Ad-hoc Committee investigating disturbances at an Appointments Committee sitting.
Adding to the gravity of the accusations, Afenyo-Markin also brought up Bedzrah’s controversial remarks during a parliamentary standoff in October 2024. During this tense period, the MP allegedly threatened to physically assault members of the then Majority Caucus, stating, “If you come and say I should move from your seat, I will beat you. We will beat them. 7th January will happen again.”
“Our concern is about safeguarding the procedural integrity of this House. The incident of 28th March must not be allowed to pass without examination,” Afenyo-Markin stressed, appealing to the Speaker’s known commitment to fairness and due process.
The Minority Leader appealed that in the interest of the House’s credibility and in keeping with the principles of accountability and mutual respect the Hon. Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah be hauled to the Committee of Privileges and Immunities for his conduct.