Ghana Parliament Speaker's Warning on Misuse of Privilege

Ghanaian Parliament Speaker Warns MPs Against Abusing Privilege Ghana's Parliament is facing renewed scrutiny following a stern warning from Speaker Alban Bagbin. During the opening of the second meeting of the Ninth Parliament, Bagbin cautioned members against misusing parliamentary privilege to evade legitimate investigations. "Parliamentary privilege is not immunity from lawful inquiry," Bagbin stated, emphasizing that this protection is intended to safeguard the legislature's independence, not to obstruct justice. He made it clear that while politically motivated attacks on MPs would not be tolerated, Parliament would not shield any member who flouted the law. Bagbin's remarks highlight a growing concern about accountability within the Ghanaian Parliament. His strong stance underscores the importance of upholding the rule of law, even within the context of political discourse. The Speaker's experience as an opposition leader for eight years lends weight to his assertions, suggesting a deep understanding of the potential for abuse of parliamentary privilege. The Speaker's words serve as a clear message: Parliament will not be a sanctuary for those seeking to evade justice. This commitment to accountability is a positive step towards strengthening Ghana's democratic institutions.