The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has issued a stern warning to Members of Parliament (MPs), making it clear that the House will not offer refuge to any lawmaker facing legitimate investigations by state security agencies.
Bagbin’s remarks come amid a rising number of official requests from law enforcement and investigative bodies seeking the release of MPs for interrogation.
The Speaker emphasized that these requests, many of which pertain to the conduct of the legislators, must be treated with the utmost seriousness.
Speaking to the House, Speaker Bagbin stated, “We have received a number of official communications from law enforcement and investigative agencies directed to this House.
“These requests, many of which relate to the conduct of members, must be treated with the seriousness they deserve. Some of these matters relate to allegations arising before those accused became members of this House.”
He continued, “Others, regrettably, concern conduct alleged to have taken place while members are in the House. Either way, they raise questions that touch directly on the standing of this institution and the public perception of our collective integrity.”
Mr. Bagbin was unequivocal in his stance that parliamentary privilege should not be misconstrued as immunity from lawful inquiry.
“Parliamentary privilege is not immunity from lawful inquiry. It is not a license to disregard the law,” he declared.
“The immunities granted to the House and its members are designed to protect the independence of the legislature, not to obstruct justice,” he added.
The Speaker stressed that these constitutional protections are institutional safeguards and were never intended as escape routes for MPs.
“Where allegations are raised, due processes must take their course,” he said.
Speaker Bagbin made it clear that while Parliament will not tolerate unlawful or politically motivated persecution of its members, it will also not offer protection to those who seek to misuse its privileges to frustrate legitimate investigations.
“Our position and my position on this is unnegotiable,” he stated. “I will not shelter anybody here in that direction. I remain committed to fully upholding the constitutional and procedural protections afforded to every member of this House.”
He further noted, “The dignity of Parliament requires that its rules and privileges be respected, but it also requires that we do not mistake privilege for impunity. No member can act as though the confidence of the electorate is a shield against scrutiny. Privilege is not impunity. Immunity is not invincibility. The law binds us all, and the law is the law.”
Speaker Bagbin reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the integrity and dignity of Parliament are upheld. He reminded MPs that while they enjoy certain privileges, these are not above the law.
“The law is the law is the law,” he concluded, signaling a firm stance against any attempts to use parliamentary privilege as a shield against legitimate investigations.
Source : www.kumasimail.com /Kwadwo Owusu
