Alban Bagbin ejects Samuel Abu Jinapor over passport sale claims

On November 3, 2026, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin ordered the Member of Parliament for Damongo, Samuel Abu Jinapor, to leave the Chamber following a heated dispute over the alleged sale of diplomatic passports. Jinapor, who serves as the Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Committee, claimed that Ghanaian diplomatic passports were being sold for prices ranging between $10,000 and $50,000. The incident sparked a protest walkout by the Minority caucus, which halted parliamentary proceedings and intensified tensions between the opposing sides of the House.

The confrontation began when Jinapor’s claims were challenged by Majority Leader James Agalga, who demanded that the MP either provide evidence or retract his statements. Although Jinapor eventually withdrew the allegations, Speaker Bagbin maintained the order for him to exit the Chamber, citing a lack of immediate compliance with his directive to maintain order. A Parliamentary Marshal was subsequently called to escort the lawmaker out of the building. In his defence, Jinapor later stated on social media that while he respects the Speaker, he felt a duty to pursue accountability regarding matters that threaten the nation's international reputation.

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin condemned the Speaker’s actions as "parliamentary bullying" and a "disproportionate" response to a withdrawn comment. He argued that the ejection undermined the Minority’s oversight responsibilities and cautioned against the emergence of an "elective dictatorship." Afenyo-Markin reaffirmed the caucus's commitment to holding government officials, particularly Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, accountable for irregularities in passport issuance, regardless of the Minority’s numerical disadvantage in the House.

Speaker Bagbin, however, remained firm, stating that he would not be intimidated by any caucus in his efforts to enforce discipline and act in the national interest. The controversy comes as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) raises broader concerns regarding government transparency, alleging that nearly 300 unqualified individuals have been issued diplomatic or service passports since 2025. The party is demanding a full disclosure of all recipients and the authorities responsible for the approvals to prevent potential illicit activities associated with the documents.