The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has reaffirmed that neither his office nor Parliament will protect any Member of Parliament (MP) from being investigated by law enforcement agencies for alleged misconduct.
He stressed that while MPs enjoy certain privileges, those privileges are not absolute and must be exercised responsibly within the confines of the law.
“This is not to shield any member from the full impact of the rule of law, and I want to make it clear once again that these privileges are not absolute. They must be exercised responsibly and in accordance with the laws of the land,” Mr. Bagbin stated.
Full Cooperation with Security Agencies
Addressing the House in a formal communication, the Speaker assured the Ghana Police Service and other law enforcement agencies of Parliament’s full cooperation in all ongoing and future investigations involving MPs, including the probe into Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, the MP for Asutifi North.
“I have instructed the Office of the Clerk and the Legal Services Office to provide all necessary support to the investigation by the Ghana Police Service, in line with the 1992 Constitution, the laws of the country, and the Standing Orders of Parliament,” he said.
The statement follows allegations that Mr. Addo incited some youth during a confrontation between residents and a military team from the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) in Hwidiem on Saturday, November 1, 2025.
Concern Over Attack on NAIMOS Team
Mr. Bagbin described the reported attack on the NAIMOS officials as deeply troubling, particularly because it allegedly involved two members of Parliament — Ebenezer Kwaku Addo and senior legislator Collins Dauda.
“Nobody has denied the attack, and we must all condemn that act. The people of Ghana look to this House as a beacon of hope. It is our collective duty to set a standard that reflects the values of our great nation,” the Speaker said.
He emphasised that violence against security personnel undermines the rule of law and the state’s efforts to combat illegal mining, which remains a major national challenge.
Submission to CID
The Speaker informed Parliament that Mr. Addo had voluntarily submitted himself to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to assist with the ongoing probe, as other MPs have done in previous cases.
“There are several members under investigation, and my office has never shielded any of them. Many have volunteered to cooperate with law enforcement without going through my office,” he clarified.
Mr. Bagbin commended the Asutifi North MP for cooperating with investigators and urged the Ghana Police Service to respect the constitutional privileges of MPs, particularly when Parliament is in session.
“It is important that the privileges and immunities of members are upheld. However, MPs must also respect law enforcement officers who represent the law and the state. Anyone who attempts to resist or assault such officers must face the full consequences,” he cautioned.
Upholding Accountability
Speaker Bagbin reiterated Parliament’s commitment to accountability and transparency, insisting that the institution will not stand in the way of justice.
“Let it not be said anywhere that Members of Parliament are being shielded from the rule of law — not at all,” he concluded.
