The Head Pastor and Founder of Alabaster International Ministries, Prophet Kofi Oduro, has strongly criticized members of Ghana’s Parliament over the fracas that erupted during the vetting of ministerial nominees of President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday, January 30, 2025.
Speaking to his congregation on Sunday, February 2, 2025, Prophet Oduro described the actions of the MPs as a complete disgrace to the country.
He stated that the legislators involved in the chaos do not deserve to be addressed with the title “Honourable,” as they have failed to uphold the dignity expected of them.
“Look at what the fathers of people are doing. Look at what they are doing. You went to Parliament to carry chairs. You have turned yourselves into ‘kayanus’ and ‘kayanus’.”
“I would never speak against the institution of Parliament, but look at how a few people have allowed themselves to be disrespected. You have given the public the opportunity to speak against the laws of this country, the Speaker of Parliament, and the office of the Parliamentary Service of the Republic of Ghana,” he fumed.
He further added, “The people you (the MPs) represent would never engage in such foolishness. We would never act in this insane, absurd, and frivolous manner. If we call someone a parliamentarian, it is akin to calling someone a man of God. That is why we use the titles ‘Reverend’ and ‘Honourable’ for them… But these people don’t deserve to be called Honourables.”
Speaker’s suspension
Following the fracas which occurred during the vetting of Minister of Health-designate Kwabena Mintah Akandoh and Minister of Foreign Affairs-designate Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin suspended four Members of Parliament (MPs) for two weeks .
The suspended MPs are Frank Annoh-Dompreh (NPP, Nsawam-Adoagyiri), Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor (NDC, South Dayi), Alhassan Tampuli (NPP, Gushegu), and Jerry Ahmed Shaib (NDC, Weija-Gbawe).
As confirmed by GhanaWeb’s George Ayisi, a special parliamentary committee, chaired by Ho West MP Emmanuel Bedzrah, were tasked with investigating the incident and submitting a report within 10 days.
Speaker Bagbin also directed the Clerk of Parliament to file a formal complaint with the Ghana Police Service for a criminal probe into the conduct of MPs involved.
He further declared that no public funds will repair damaged parliamentary property and that MPs found culpable will be surcharged for repairs.
