Walewale MP withdraws 'rude' comment about parliamentary recall after Speaker's rebuke

Pinned summary · as of 14:54

The Member of Parliament for Walewale has withdrawn a critical remark about Parliament's recall in August and apologised to Speaker Alban Bagbin and the House. Dr Kabiru Tiah Mahama made the statement during an emergency sitting on Tuesday, September 29, after the Speaker publicly criticised the characterisation.

What we know

• Dr Kabiru Tiah Mahama, MP for Walewale, retracted his use of the word 'rude' to describe the August recall and apologised to Speaker Bagbin and Parliament, according to Citi Newsroom and Opemsuo 104.7.
• The Speaker told the House that members could criticise his rulings but must do so respectfully, without undermining Parliament's standing or the Speaker's authority.

What's disputed / unconfirmed

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  MyNewsGH reported that Dr Mahama had expressed frustration that Parliament was recalled from recess for government matters but members sat without substantial business for two of the five scheduled days, though neither the government nor the Speaker has confirmed or addressed these claims.
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  According to Citi Newsroom, Dr Mahama said during a press gathering that he had believed 'rude' meant 'sadly and unpleasantly' but later realised he was wrong and withdrew the word.
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  The Speaker said the August recall was executed in line with Parliament's Standing Orders, at the request of President John Dramani Mahama to address urgent legislative business.

Why it matters for Ghana

This incident reflects ongoing tensions between individual MPs and the Speaker over parliamentary procedure and tone in public debate. How lawmakers and officials conduct disagreements sets an example for political discourse across Ghana and affects public confidence in Parliament's functioning. The episode also highlights questions about the use of emergency recalls and whether the matters brought warrant interrupting the legislative calendar.