Speaker Orders Parliamentary Marshals to Escort Abu Jinapor Out Over Unsubstantiated Passport Allegations

​Tension flared in Parliament on Tuesday as the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, ordered the Parliamentary Marshals to physically escort the Member of Parliament for Damongo, Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor, off the floor of the House. The drastic sanction came after the Damongo lawmaker failed to substantiate grave allegations leveled against the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, whom he accused of facilitating the illicit sale of diplomatic passports. 

​The confrontation unfolded during parliamentary proceedings when Hon. Abu Jinapor publicly alleged that diplomatic passports were being illegally commercialized under the Foreign Affairs Ministry for substantial monetary sums. Demanding strict adherence to parliamentary rules, Speaker Bagbin directed the legislator to immediately produce concrete evidence to support the explosive claims or unconditionally withdraw the statement from the official record. 

​Despite explicit warnings from the Chair that defying the directive would attract disciplinary sanctions, Hon. Abu Jinapor insisted on speaking to the matter without providing supporting proof. Citing Order requirements on decorum and unsubstantiated allegations, Speaker Bagbin ruled that the Damongo MP was in direct defiance of the Chair's authority and instructed the Marshals to intervene and escort him out of the Chamber. 

​The forceful ejection of Hon. Abu Jinapor immediately triggered widespread anger among the Minority caucus, who staged a dramatic walkout in solidarity with their colleague. Following the disruption, Speaker Bagbin reaffirmed his resolve to enforce absolute discipline on the floor, reminding all lawmakers that freedom of speech in the House does not grant immunity to level unverified accusations against state officials without evidence.  

@Volta Today