The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has expressed concern over the growing number of requests from law enforcement agencies summoning Members of Parliament (MPs) for questioning in relation to various allegations.
Addressing the House upon Parliament’s return from recess on May 27, Speaker Bagbin noted a troubling rise in official communications from the police directed at MPs.
He stressed that these requests whether the allegations pertain to conduct prior to an MP’s election or during their tenure must be treated with the seriousness they deserve.
According to the Speaker, such allegations not only impact the individual lawmakers involved but also cast a shadow on the image and credibility of Parliament as an institution.
While acknowledging the constitutional privileges enjoyed by MPs, Bagbin clarified that parliamentary immunity is not an exemption from police investigation or legal accountability.
“Let me sound this loud and clear: parliamentary privilege is not immunity from lawful inquiry. It is not a licence to disregard the law,” he stated.
“These provisions are institutional safeguards. They were never intended as escape routes for Honourable Members,” he added.
Bagbin assured the House that under his leadership, Parliament will uphold due process in all cases involving MPs, emphasizing that Parliament will neither obstruct legitimate investigations nor shield any member from accountability.
“I remain committed to fully upholding the constitutional and procedural protections afforded to every member of this House,” he said. “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.”
