Neat FM Hosts Debate Parliamentary Protocol Following Committee Altercation.

On the morning of January 29, 2025, Neat FM’s morning show featured a spirited discussion between hosts Kwabina Marfo and Mac Jerry Osei Agyeman concerning the recent altercation between Frank Annoh-Dompreh, Member of Parliament (MP) for Nsawam-Adoagyir, and Emeafa Hardcastle, the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Petroleum Commission, during a parliamentary Appointments Committee session.

Kwabina Marfo opined that if MP Annoh-Dompreh felt insulted by Hardcastle’s remarks, he should file a complaint with the police rather than escalating the matter to the Speaker of Parliament. Marfo acknowledged that while it was inappropriate for Hardcastle to insult the MP, he believed that involving the Speaker was not the correct course of action if the issue was perceived as an assault.

In contrast, Mac Jerry Osei Agyeman contended that Marfo’s perspective was flawed, suggesting that Marfo lacked a proper understanding of parliamentary standing orders. Agyeman emphasized that since the incident occurred during a vetting committee session, it was appropriate for the MP to report the matter to the Speaker of Parliament. He further noted that Speaker Alban Kingsford Bagbin is well-versed in parliamentary procedures and would address the issue accordingly.

The debate stems from a recent incident where tensions flared between Annoh-Dompreh and Hardcastle during an Appointments Committee meeting. The specifics of the altercation have not been detailed in this discussion.

The exchange between Marfo and Agyeman has sparked discussions among listeners regarding the appropriate channels for addressing disputes arising within parliamentary proceedings. The incident underscores the importance of understanding and adhering to established protocols when resolving conflicts in governmental settings.

As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the Speaker of Parliament will handle the complaint and what implications this may have for parliamentary decorum and conflict resolution procedures.