Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin ordered the Member of Parliament for Damongo, Samuel Abu Jinapor, out of the chamber after a heated confrontation over his allegation that Ghanaian diplomatic passports are being sold for as much as $50,000.
The incident occurred during proceedings on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, after Mr Jinapor, the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, sought to raise concerns about alleged abuses in the issuance of diplomatic passports.
The former Minister for Lands and Natural Resources claimed diplomatic passports are issued at the instance of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and that their issuance and use have significant implications for Ghana’s international reputation.
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He alleged there is “unimpeachable evidence” that diplomatic passports are being sold, with some transactions reportedly reaching $50,000 and others going for $10,000.
Mr Jinapor argued the matter has been widely reported and deserved parliamentary attention in the interest of the government, the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the country.
However, Majority Leader James Agalga challenged the allegation, describing it as a serious claim bordering on criminality.
He argued that Mr Jinapor should substantiate the allegation before presenting it to the House and urged the Speaker to direct that the statement be expunged from parliamentary records.
Mr Jinapor, however, said he intended to bring the matter to the attention of Parliament to help address a growing national concern.
He also referred to a petition reportedly submitted to the United States Embassy concerning the extension of diplomatic courtesies to holders of Ghanaian diplomatic passports.
Speaker Alban Bagbin subsequently directed the Damongo MP to withdraw the allegation, warning that he could return to the matter with supporting evidence through the appropriate parliamentary procedure.
The Speaker stressed that the MP could not make such a serious allegation on the floor without substantiating it.
Mr Jinapor, however, questioned which specific portion of his submission he was required to withdraw but eventually stated: “The allegation out there that diplomatic passports are being sold for $10,000 and $50,000 is hereby withdrawn.”
The Speaker ordered parliamentary officers to escort him out of the chamber.
“Marshall, please, can you walk Honourable Abu Jinapor out of this House? Please, I say walk him out of this House,” Mr Bagbin directed.
The Speaker insisted that discipline must be maintained in the chamber, warning that he would not tolerate conduct that undermined his authority.
The order triggered tension in the Chamber, with the entire Minority Caucus choosing to abandon business of the House and walk out in solidarity with the Damongo MP