The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has made it clear that the legislature will not shield any member found to be engaged in wrongdoing, regardless of political affiliation.
Addressing the House during yesterday’s sitting, Speaker Bagbin cautioned Members of Parliament (MPs) against abusing the privileges and immunities afforded them by their positions. He described these protections as “institutional safeguards” designed to uphold the integrity of Parliament, not to serve as “escape routes” for MPs seeking to evade legal scrutiny.
His remarks follow growing public concern over the alleged misuse of parliamentary immunity by some MPs to obstruct or delay investigations into criminal allegations.
While reaffirming Parliament’s responsibility to protect its members from politically motivated harassment, Speaker Bagbin warned that any attempt by members on either side of the House to weaponize parliamentary privileges to obstruct justice will not be tolerated.
“When allegations are raised,” he stated, “due process must take its course.”
He continued:
“Parliament will not stand by while members are subject to unlawful or politically motivated persecution. But neither will Parliament offer protection to those who seek to misuse its privileges to frustrate legitimate investigations. I will not shelter anybody here.”
Bagbin’s remarks are expected to resonate across the political spectrum, signaling a renewed commitment to transparency and reinforcing Parliament’s role as a guardian of accountability within Ghana’s democratic framework.
