By Clement Akoloh
Accra, May 21, 2026 – Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has reminded MPs and security agencies that the Speaker does not need to grant permission before a member can be arrested or invited for questioning, saying the law must be followed strictly.
Delivering his welcome remarks at the resumption of the 2nd meeting of the 2nd session of the 9th Parliament, Bagbin said there was a wrong perception that security agencies must seek his permission before acting against an MP.
“It is not for the security agents to seek my permission before arrest. It is for them to inform me and improve the circumstances of the allegations… then I go through the law and then apply the law as to whether the person is in a privileged situation or not,” he stated.
Bagbin said his role was to review the circumstances and apply the law to determine if privilege applies, stressing that this was the correct state of the law.
Heavy Workload Ahead
The Speaker urged members to be punctual and fully engaged, saying the workload ahead was heavy and effectiveness depended on discipline, mutual respect and teamwork.
“Let us conduct our debates possibly to enhance national pride,” he said, appealing to MPs to avoid conduct that would undermine public confidence in Parliament.
African Family Values Conference in Accra
Bagbin announced that Parliament will host the African Family Values and Sovereignty Conference from June 3-5, 2025 in Accra.
The continental gathering, first hosted by Uganda, is meant to celebrate and preserve African cultural values and sovereignty. He said the Ghanaian state presence would be part of the opening, and encouraged members to participate actively. Details will be communicated in due course.
Committee Work
The Speaker also tasked committees to present their reports for consideration and processing by the House before the end of the meeting.
He thanked members for returning and acknowledged the “landlords of this land where we are now” for hosting Parliament.
Parliament is expected to take up bills, motions, and oversight reports in the coming weeks, with committee work set to intensify immediately.
Source: parliamentnews360.com
