Stubborn Mosquito: I never asked Annoh-Dompreh to Apologize to Speaker Bagbin on my behalf – Sefwi-Wiawso MP

Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, the Member of Parliament for Sefwi-Wiawso, has refuted an apology made on his behalf by Majority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, after being expelled from the House by Speaker Alban Bagbin on Monday, July 22, 2024.

Speaker Bagbin considered a remark by Dr. Afriyie, which critiqued a directive from the Speaker, as prejudicial and disrespectful.

During a session addressing the nomination of two justices to the Supreme Court by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Speaker Bagbin urged the House to examine the issue of the full complement of the Supreme Court when the Appointments Committee presents its report.

Dr. Afriyie challenged this, asserting, “As a representative of the good people of Sefwi-Wiawso, it does not lie in your mouth to remind us of the things that you said.”

In response, Speaker Bagbin ordered the Marshal to remove Dr. Afriyie from the House, labeling his comment as rude and disrespectful.

Following this incident, Majority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh apologized to the Speaker on behalf of the caucus. He said, “Speaker, we acknowledge the wisdom you have guided us with and how you have navigated us to this point. We have had moments of tension; we have had some tense moments in the House, and through all that, you have shown leadership, and it is incumbent upon us as leaders to help you right now. What happened a moment ago was unfortunate.”

In an interview with Umaru Sanda on Accra-based Citi FM, Dr. Afriyie made it clear that he had not authorized Annoh-Dompreh to apologize to the Speaker, stating he had done nothing wrong to warrant such an apology.

“He (Hon. Frank Annoh-Dompreh) does not have my permission to apologize to the Speaker. And this one you can put on record: I haven’t done anything wrong; why should I apologize?” Dr. Afriyie asserted.

When asked if he would apologize if requested, Dr. Afriyie firmly stated he would not. “I am not a coward; I speak my mind, and the same could be verified by former President Kufuor. I haven’t insulted the Speaker; I haven’t disrespected him; where’s the disrespect?”

Dr. Afriyie concluded, “Actually, it was with a lot of humility that I acted, and that was why I told the Marshal to let me bow to the chair. I was raised in the palace. That is all. I have not done anything wrong to apologize for.”

Source: Ghananewsonline.com.gh