Parliamentary immunity not escape routes - Speaker Bagbin warns MPs

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has cautioned Members of Parliament (MPs) that the privileges they enjoy do not exempt them from legal scrutiny.

Addressing the House at the start of the second meeting of the Ninth Parliament, Mr. Bagbin emphasized that parliamentary privilege should not be mistaken for immunity from the law.

“The immunities granted to this House and its members are designed to protect the independence of the legislature, not to obstruct justice. These provisions are institutional safeguards and they were never intended as escape routes for honourable members,” he said.

He stressed that MPs must adhere to the law and conduct themselves in ways that uphold the integrity of Parliament. “Privilege is not impunity. Immunity is not invisibility. The law binds us all. And the law is the law,” he added.

Respecting Due Process

Mr. Bagbin noted that any allegations against MPs must be addressed through proper legal channels. He reaffirmed Parliament's commitment to upholding justice while resisting unlawful or politically driven persecution.

“Our position on this is unnegotiable as Parliament will not stand by while members are subjected to unlawful or politically motivated persecution. But neither will Parliament offer protection to those who seek to misuse its privileges to frustrate legitimate investigations,” he said.

He acknowledged an increase in formal communications from investigative and law enforcement agencies regarding members' conduct, adding that some of these issues predate their parliamentary service, while others stem from actions during their tenure.

“Either way, they raise questions that touch directly on the standing of this institution and the public's perception of our collective integrity,” he said. “Ultimately, if Parliament falters, democracy suffers. It is that simple.”

A Call for Patriotism

Urging MPs to remain focused and committed, Mr. Bagbin called for unity and patriotism in the execution of their legislative duties.

He reminded them that Parliament is a co-equal branch of government responsible for scrutinizing policies and holding the Executive to account.

“Our routine assemblage of plenary sessions here must not be mere formalities. We are here as an equal partner of the Executive to govern the people in accordance with the Constitution and the sovereign will of the people,” he said.

He emphasized the high expectations the Ghanaian public places on Parliament. “The people of Ghana look up to this Parliament for leadership that is ethical, purposeful and proactive… They are watching our every step.”

Legislative Agenda

Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga announced that the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, will soon present a number of important bills to the House aimed at curbing corruption and strengthening accountability.

These include the Conduct of Public Officers Bill, amendments to the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, the Economic and Organised Crime Office Bill, Legal Education Reform Bill, Legal Profession Bill, Intestate Succession Bill, and others.

Concerns Over Judicial Independence

Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei raised concerns over what she described as a growing threat to judicial independence under the current administration. She criticised what she termed as efforts by the Presidency to oust the Chief Justice and stack the Supreme Court with loyalists.

“The nation watched in disbelief as the Executive launched brazen efforts to remove the Chief Justice, an assault not merely on one officeholder but on the very sanctity of the judicial branch,” she said.

“At the same time, the President is seeking to pack the Supreme Court with loyalists—seven nominations in one swoop—clearly designed to bind the hands of the Judicial Council and tilt the highest court in the land toward executive interests.”