Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader, has accused Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin of presiding over what he describes as parliamentary bullying following the removal of Damongo MP Samuel Abu Jinapor from the chamber.
According to Afenyo-Markin, the Speaker’s decision to uphold the directive for Abu Jinapor to leave the Chamber, after withdrawing his comments on the alleged sale of Ghanaian diplomatic passports, was unfair and humiliating.
He argued that Abu Jinapor had complied with the Speaker’s instruction and should not have been subjected to further punishment.
Addressing journalists, on behalf of the Minority Caucus, Afenyo-Markin described the decision as “disproportionate, humiliating and, in its effect, an act of parliamentary bullying.”
“An express withdrawal in compliance with the Speaker’s directive deserves acknowledgement, not punishment,” Afenyo-Markin said.
The Minority leader also accused the Majority of using its numerical strength to frustrate scrutiny and silence opposing views.
He stated, “The Majority may possess the votes, but the Minority must retain an effective voice and a keen eye for scrutiny”.
Afenyo-Markin further warned that the Minority would not abandon its constitutional oversight responsibilities despite attempts to intimidate its members.
“Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor shall not be silenced. The Minority Caucus shall not be silenced”, he declared.
The development follows Speaker Bagbin, who on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, ordered the Damongo Member of Parliament (MP), Samuel Abu Jinapor, to leave the Chamber.
The confrontation erupted when Jinapor, the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Committee, raised concerns about the alleged sale of the passports and called for a parliamentary investigation into the matter.
Abu Jinapor insisted that there was credible evidence to support the allegations, describing it as a serious issue that could undermine Ghana’s international reputation.
However, his remarks drew an objection from the Majority Leader, James Agalga, who argued that the allegation amounted to an accusation of criminal conduct and therefore required evidence to substantiate it.
Agalga urged Bagbin to direct the Damongo MP to withdraw the claim and have the relevant portion expunged from the parliamentary records.
Speaker Bagbin subsequently directed Jinapor to withdraw the allegation, indicating that he could return to the matter with supporting evidence.
The MP, however, appeared reluctant to comply, leading the Speaker to order the Marshal of Parliament to ensure that he left the Chamber.
In a firm warning, Bagbin told Jinapor: “Marshal, please carry out the orders immediately. Honourable Abu Jinapor, please walk out of this place, or you will be taken out.”
Following the directive, Jinapor was seen gathering his books and belongings before leaving the Chamber.
His departure was followed by a walkout by Minority MPs, who left the Chamber in solidarity with their colleague.
Before the disagreement, Jinapor had told Parliament that there was compelling evidence that diplomatic passports were being sold, with prices allegedly ranging from US$10,000 to US$50,000.
“As we speak today, there is evidence, unimpeachable evidence, that today diplomatic passports are being sold, Mr Speaker,” he told the House.
He described the alleged practice as a matter requiring urgent attention, warning of the possible consequences for Ghana’s image and relations with the international community.
Jinapor also questioned the circumstances surrounding the issuance of diplomatic passports, stressing that the process was governed by law and required strict adherence to established procedures.
“By law, it is only the Minister who has the authority to grant diplomatic passports in our country,” he said.
The incident turned the parliamentary sitting into a tense affair, with the disagreement over the allegations eventually resulting in the Damongo MP’s removal from the Chamber and a solidarity walkout by the Minority.
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