The Member of Parliament for Walewale, Dr Abdul Kabiru Tiah Mahama, has withdrawn a comment in which he described the recall of Parliament in August 2026 as “rude” and has formally apologised to the Speaker and the House.
The withdrawal followed intervention by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, who cautioned that while Members of Parliament have the right to criticise parliamentary proceedings, such criticisms must not be expressed in a manner that undermines the dignity of Parliament or the authority of the House.
Addressing the matter on the floor of Parliament, the Speaker said legislators were expected to uphold the highest standards of decorum and respect in their public comments regarding parliamentary decisions and proceedings.
He subsequently directed the Walewale legislator to withdraw the remark and apologise to the House.
Dr Mahama complied with the directive, retracting the statement and offering an apology to the Speaker and fellow Members of Parliament.
Rt. Hon. Bagbin used the occasion to remind Members of their responsibility to protect the image and integrity of Parliament, stressing that robust debate and criticism must always be conducted within the bounds of parliamentary decorum.
The incident follows discussions surrounding the August 2026 recall of Parliament, a decision that generated public and political debate.
The Speaker reiterated that while Parliament encourages free expression and differing opinions among Members, such views must be articulated in a manner consistent with the dignity and standing of the institution.
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