Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has clarified that security agencies are not required to seek his permission before arresting or inviting a Member of Parliament for questioning, stating that their only obligation is to formally notify his office.
Addressing Members of Parliament on Thursday, May 21, during the Second Meeting of the Second Session of Parliament, Mr. Bagbin said there is a widespread misunderstanding that the Speaker must first approve any action taken against lawmakers.
He explained that his office is not an approving authority in such matters but is simply entitled to be informed when an MP is being investigated or detained. According to him, the notification should also include the details and circumstances that led to the action.
“It’s not for the security agents to seek my permission before arresting or inviting a Member of Parliament for questioning. It’s not. It’s for them to inform me and include the circumstances or the allegations that have created the suspicion,” he stated.
Mr. Bagbin further noted that the Speaker’s role is to determine whether parliamentary privilege or immunity is engaged in any particular case after being informed by the relevant security agency.
His comments come amid renewed public debate over the extent of legal protections enjoyed by MPs in criminal investigations and the proper balance between parliamentary privilege and law enforcement powers.
