Disorder in Parliament Displays Poorly on Speaker – Senyo Hosi – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

During a live broadcast on PleasureNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, December 13, 2025, Senyo Hosi, Convener of the OneGhana Movement and Trustee of the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey, voiced a stark critique of the current state of Ghana’s Parliament. Hosi argued that the recurring chaos and lack of accountability within the legislature reflect poorly on the leadership of Speaker Alban Bagbin. He warned that unless decisive measures are taken, Bagbin risks ending his term on a negative note, undermining public confidence in Ghana’s democratic institutions.

Key Points

Background

The Role of the Speaker of Parliament in Ghana

Under Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, the Speaker of Parliament is not only the presiding officer of the House but also a symbol of parliamentary authority and order. The Speaker is expected to:

• Uphold and enforce standing orders and parliamentary rules.
• Maintain decorum and manage disruptions during sessions.
• Oversee committee work and ensure follow‑through on investigations.
• Serve as a neutral arbiter while representing the Parliament in external engagements.

Recent Incidents Highlighting Disorder

• Chief Justice Vetting (Late 2025): During the vetting of the nominee for Chief Justice, heated exchanges and procedural disagreements led to prolonged interruptions. A special committee was subsequently formed to review the incident, yet no public report or recommendation has been released.
• Budget Approval Sessions: Multiple sessions have experienced vocal dissent, with members frequently overriding the Speaker’s calls for order.
• Motion of No‑Confidence Debates: Debates on motions of no‑confidence have been marked by procedural challenges, leading to adjournments without resolution.

Who Is Senyo Hosi?

Senyo Hosi is a seasoned development economist and activist. As Convener of the OneGhana Movement, he advocates for good governance, transparency, and citizens’ participation in public affairs. His remarks reflect a broader civil‑society concern about the health of Ghana’s democratic institutions.

Analysis

The Impact of Parliamentary Chaos on Democratic Governance

Parliamentary disorder does more than create spectacle; it has measurable consequences:

• Policy Delays: Unresolved disruptions stall critical legislation, including budget approvals and reforms.
• International Perception: Foreign investors and diplomatic partners assess parliamentary stability as a risk factor. Frequent chaos can deter investment.
• Citizen Disengagement: When citizens perceive that elected representatives cannot conduct business orderly, voter turnout and civic participation may decline.

Leadership Challenges Facing Speaker Alban Bagbin

Bagbin, serving what many consider his final term, faces several structural and political challenges:

• Partisan Polarisation: The current composition of Parliament includes a high proportion of newly elected members with varying levels of experience in parliamentary procedure.
• Institutional Memory: Long‑standing practices and informal norms are being tested by a more assertive younger cohort.
• Committee Effectiveness: The ability of committees to investigate and report is crucial. If committees are perceived as toothless, public confidence wanes.

Assessing Accountability Mechanisms

Ghana’s parliamentary system provides several accountability tools:

• Standing Orders: Detailed rules governing debate, voting, and committee work.
• Parliamentary Committees: Oversee ministries, investigate issues, and produce reports.
• Media Scrutiny: A free press highlights irregularities and pressures members to act responsibly.
• Civil‑Society Monitoring: Organisations like the OneGhana Movement track parliamentary performance and publish assessments.

However, when these mechanisms are inconsistently applied or ignored, the perception of impunity grows.

Comparative Perspective: Parliamentary Discipline in Other African Democracies

A brief look at neighbouring countries illustrates the variance in parliamentary culture:

• Kenya: The National Assembly has a robust Speaker who frequently invokes standing orders to restore order, supported by a strong parliamentary secretariat.
• Nigeria: Despite large parliamentary bodies, frequent disruptions are often followed by formal inquiries and sanctions.
• Botswana: Parliamentary sessions are generally orderly, with a tradition of respect for procedural rules.

These examples suggest that consistent leadership and institutional reinforcement are key determinants of parliamentary discipline.

Practical Advice

Recommendations for the Speaker of Parliament

1. Reinforce Standing Orders Through Clear Communication

The Speaker should regularly issue concise guidance on how standing orders apply to emerging procedural challenges. This can be done through:

• Pre‑session briefings for new members.
• Published FAQs on the parliamentary website.
• Live Q&A sessions with members after contentious debates.

2. Establish a Dedicated Discipline and Ethics Committee

A specialised committee, directly reporting to the Speaker, could:

• Investigate incidents of disorder.
• Recommend sanctions (e.g., suspension, apology) where appropriate.
• Publish periodic reports to maintain transparency.

3. Leverage Technology for Real‑Time Monitoring

Deploy digital tools such as:

• Live transcription services to capture disruptions accurately.
• Automated alerts when a member exceeds allotted speaking time.
• Analytics dashboards to track frequency and types of disruptions.

4. Foster a Culture of Constructive Dissent

While robust debate is healthy, the Speaker can promote:

• Designated “Opposition Time” for structured critique.
• Mediation sessions before heated votes.
• Encouragement of evidence‑based arguments over personal attacks.

Advice for Members of Parliament

• Study and internalise standing orders before taking office.
• Participate in regular parliamentary etiquette workshops.
• Use formal channels (e.g., written questions, committee hearings) to raise concerns rather than relying on vocal interruptions.

Suggestions for Civil Society and Media

• Publish regular performance scores for parliamentary sessions.
• Organise public forums discussing parliamentary reforms.
• Collaborate with the Parliament to educate citizens on how to engage with legislative processes.

FAQ

Conclusion

The observations made by Senyo Hosi underscore a pressing concern: parliamentary disorder reflects deeper institutional challenges that the Speaker of Parliament must address proactively. By reinforcing standing orders, establishing dedicated oversight mechanisms, leveraging technology, and fostering a culture of constructive dissent, Speaker Alban Bagbin can restore order and confidence. Doing so is essential not only for the dignity of the House but also for the credibility of Ghana’s democracy and the trust of its citizenry.