Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has cautioned Members of Parliament that privileges they enjoy does not offer them an absolute protection from lawful inquiry.
Delivering a statement at the commencement of the second meeting of the Ninth Parliament on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, he clarified that parliamentary impunity is meant to safeguard the independence of the legislature.
“The immunities granted to this House and its members are designed to protect the independence of the legislature, not to obstruct justice.
“These provisions are institutional safeguards, and they were never intended as escape routes for honourable members. Our position on this is unnegotiable as Parliament will not stand by while members are subjected to unlawful or politically motivated persecution. But neither will Parliament offer protection to those who seek to misuse its privileges to frustrate legitimate investigations”, he remarked.
Alban Bagbin stressed that while Parliament will defend its members from unlawful political actions, it will not shield those who misuse parliamentary privilege.
“I remain committed to fully upholding the constitutional and procedural protections afforded to every member of this House. The dignity of Parliament requires that its rules and privileges be respected. But it also requires that we do not mistake privilege for impunity. Privilege is not impunity. Immunity is not invisibility. The law binds us all. And the law is the law,” he said.
JKB/KA
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