Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has forcefully reiterated his commitment not to allow parliamentary privilege to be misused as a shield for any Member of Parliament (MP) found engaging in criminal misconduct or wrongdoing, emphatically stressing that immunity is not an “escape route” from the law.
The Speaker first established this firm position in May 2025 at the start of a new session and reinforced it in November 2025 following recent allegations of MP misconduct. He clarified that parliamentary privileges are intended strictly as institutional safeguards designed to protect the independence and effective functioning of the legislative body, and are not to be twisted into a license for impunity or a tool to obstruct justice and legitimate investigations. While pledging to protect members from “unlawful or politically motivated persecution,” Bagbin remains adamant that Parliament will not interfere with due process for those who break the law or abuse their constitutional rights.
The necessity of the Speaker’s renewed directive was highlighted by a recent incident in November 2025, specifically involving an alleged attack on a National Investigations Bureau (NIB) operative, in which an MP was reportedly involved. In his most recent public remarks, the Speaker promised swift action and demonstrated his commitment to non-interference by immediately directing the Clerk of Parliament to ensure full cooperation and support for police investigations into the matter.
This directive marks a significant move toward accountability, preventing the use of institutional authority to frustrate the criminal justice system and ensuring that lawmakers, like all citizens, are subject to legal scrutiny. This zero-tolerance approach is consistent with Bagbin’s record on internal discipline throughout the year.
Earlier in 2025, he took decisive action by suspending four Members of Parliament for what was officially categorized as “shameful and unparliamentary conduct” observed during a committee vetting session. The combination of these internal disciplinary measures and his explicit public refusal to grant criminal immunity sets a clear precedent.
His repeated assertions that Parliament will not frustrate due process reinforce a message aimed at upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the integrity of the legislature is prioritized over the personal interests of errant members.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
