Drama In Parliament As Deputy Speaker Orders Effiduase MP Out During Proceedings
Parliamentary session disrupted as Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor clashes with MP Ayew Afriyie over a statement on the ongoing nurses and midwives strike.
Yakubu Abdulbaaki 
There was heightened drama in Parliament on Tuesday when First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor clashed with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Effiduase Asokore, Hon. Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie, over a statement related to the ongoing nationwide strike by nurses and midwives.
The confrontation erupted after Dr. Ayew Afriyie rose on the floor of the House to deliver a statement addressing the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) strike, which has crippled healthcare services across the country.
However, Deputy Speaker Ahiafor, who was presiding, expressed displeasure with the move and directed the Effiduase MP to resume his seat, warning he would be ordered out of the chamber if he continued.
Dr. Ayew Afriyie, however, insisted on the urgency of the issue, refusing to yield, citing the national importance of the matter amid a growing healthcare crisis.
With no resolution in sight, the Deputy Speaker ordered him out of the chamber, prompting fierce opposition from the Minority Caucus, who protested the Speaker’s decision.
Amid the escalating tension, the sitting was abruptly adjourned to Wednesday, cutting short the day’s proceedings.
Background: GRNMA Strike
The GRNMA strike, which began earlier this week, is in response to long-standing disputes over conditions of service, allowances, and stalled negotiations with the government. Thousands of nurses and midwives have withdrawn their services nationwide, putting immense strain on public health facilities.
This story underscores growing political and institutional tensions as pressure mounts on the government to resolve the health sector impasse. Further parliamentary deliberations are expected when the House reconvenes.
