Four lawmakers in Ghana’s Parliament have been suspended after exchanging punches during a ministerial screening process.

The legislative process on Thursday saw the ministerial screening committee members destroy furniture in the chambers.

They had gathered from across parties to screen lawmakers from the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) nominated to become ministers.

The NDC accused the NPP members and their leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin of excessively questioning the nominees for a political score.

They also complained that Samuel Nartey George, nominated for communications minister, was questioned for more than five hours.

The following event was a brawl, leading to the destruction of microphones and other valuables in the chambers.

This prompted the Speaker of the Parliamentary, Alban Bagbin, to suspend four lawmakers, saying their action was a“gross affront to the dignity of Parliament but also a blatant contempt of the House.”