The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has clarified that security agencies do not require his permission before arresting or inviting a Member of Parliament for questioning.
According to him, the responsibility of law enforcement agencies is only to officially notify the Speaker’s office of any intended action involving an MP and provide details of the allegations or circumstances leading to the investigation.
Addressing lawmakers during the Second Meeting of the Second Session of Parliament on Thursday, May 21, Mr Bagbin said there appeared to be widespread misunderstanding regarding the legal procedures governing interactions between Members of Parliament and security agencies.
He stressed that Parliament’s leadership has no authority to approve or prevent the arrest of MPs.
“It’s not for the security agents to seek my permission before arresting or inviting a member of parliament for questioning. It’s not,” he stated.
“It’s for them to inform me and include the circumstances or the allegations that have created the suspicion,” he added.
Mr Bagbin explained that once such information is communicated to his office, Parliament would then determine whether any parliamentary privilege or immunity applies under the law.
His comments were aimed at clarifying the constitutional and procedural relationship between Parliament and state security institutions in matters involving lawmakers.
