“It Does Not Lie In Your Mouth” Expression Trends

When Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, Member of Parliament (MP) for the Sefwi Wiawso constituency, clashed with the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, over the use of the phrase “It does not lie in your mouth” a few weeks ago, few could have predicted how quickly the expression would spread across Ghana. Much like Hon. Kennedy Agyapong’s earlier “Show Down” phrase, Dr. Afriyie’s remark has taken on a life of its own, trending widely among Ghanaians.

The expression “It does not lie in your mouth!” has become a catchphrase, echoing in everyday conversations and becoming a common part of the national lexicon. Dr. Afriyie first used this phrase during a debate in Parliament, and although it led to a heated exchange with the Speaker, it has since captured the imagination of many Ghanaians.

During the altercation, the phrase so displeased the Speaker that he ordered Dr. Afriyie to be removed from the chamber by the Marshal of Parliament. With remarkable speed and precision, the Marshal carried out the Speaker’s orders, escorting the MP out of the house.

Matters Arising

Following this incident, Dr. Afriyie’s constituents in Sefwi Wiawso organized a massive demonstration, demanding an apology from the Speaker. They argued that by expelling their MP, the Speaker could have deprived them of any critical matters discussed in Parliament that day. However, the issue seems to have faded quietly, without further escalation.

No Malice Intended

I have no intention of reopening old wounds or stirring controversy. As the saying goes, “I came to bury Caesar, not to praise him,” or as the Akans would put it, Me bεεso Gya na Ma mmehwe Nkwan mu (I came for embers of fire, not to peer into the soup). My purpose is to inform the public about the way this phrase has taken on a new life after the clash between the MP and the Speaker. It has become a part of public discourse, and as a journalist, it is my duty to highlight this trending phenomenon.

By S.O. Ankamah