Speaker of the 8th Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has assured the people of Ghana that he will serve in their interest and not that of any political party.
He said the position of the speaker of parliament is meant to work in the ultimate interest of all Ghanaians irrespective of their political affiliations.
He told the House on Friday January 15 that “There is no NPP speaker or NDC speaker, there is only a speaker of the parliament of Ghana and all Ghanaians.”
Mr Bagbin condemned the pandemonium that took place in the chamber during the election of a speaker for the 8th Parliament on January 7 2020.
He said the action of the lawmakers was despicable and unbecoming of people with honour.
Heated confrontation leading to exchange of blows occurred between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) members in the House during the election of the speaker.
The development led to wide condemnation from a cross section of the Ghanaian public who thought that the actions of the lawmakers were needless and avoidable.
“I condemn the unruly behaviour and commotion that took place including the invasion of the military. It was a despicable conduct, unbecoming of people of honour and what makes it worse is the total absence of justification or reasonable excuse.
“The spectacle of that historic day will not be repeated, certainly not on my watch. I take a strong a exception to such conduct and behavior,” he said.
He further called on the leadership of the House to “Restore the lost dignity of this august house.”
With the 123 first-timers, Mr Bagbin welcomed them and urged them as well as the other Members of Parliament (MP) to serve with diligence and respect.
“I will like to welcome the 123 fresh hands in the parliament,” he said.
He added “You have earned the privilege to be addressed in this chamber as honorable and please Honorable you must be.”
He further noted that parliament is a House of rules and procedures therefore all members should apply themselves to the rules.
“Whatever may have been your inspiration to embark on this, I will like you to know that this is a position of leadership, honour, privilege, of trust and above all of service.
“The people had enormous amount of confidence and trust in electing you to represent them. You have reciprocate obligation and responsibility to serve them with honour and dignity.
“Serve them with respect, with humility and diligence. This house is a house of rules and procedures.”
