Parliament today opened with a strong reminder from Speaker Alban Bagbin that parliamentary privilege does not equate to immunity from lawful investigations. Addressing members during the 1st Sitting of the 2nd Meeting of the 1st Session of the 9th Parliament of the 4th Republic, the Speaker urged discipline, presence, and accountability among the parliamentarians.
Bagbin cautioned that the conduct of members must not undermine the sanctity of the House. “The business of this house is too important to be derailed by conduct that serves no public purpose,” he said.
He made it clear that “the honeymoon with the rules is over,” promising that he and the deputy speakers will strictly enforce the standing orders.
In parliament today, Bagbin also directed first-time MPs to focus on committee work. He noted that effectiveness is measured by what happens away from the cameras. He said, “It is easy to be caught up in the visibility of the chamber, the cameras, the headlines, the drama of plenary, but the real test of your effectiveness lies backstage in your committee work. It is in committee rooms away from the spotlight that legislation is sharpened, oversight is enforced, and the real work of parliament is executed.”
Bagbin encouraged members to join debates, attend meetings, and ask difficult questions. He reminded all MPs that “the real work will not always make the news headlines, but it will always make a difference.”
Speaker warns against misuse of parliamentary privilege
The speaker in parliament today also turned his attention to an increasing number of official requests from law enforcement and investigative bodies directed at the House. These requests, Speaker Bagbin said, must be treated with seriousness.
He said while some matters relate to allegations before those accused became members of the house, others concerned conduct alleged while members were/are in the house. He noted that both categories affect the public’s perception of Parliament’s integrity.
The Speaker declared that “parliamentary privilege is not immunity from lawful inquiry.”
He explained that the immunity granted to members is meant to protect legislative independence, not to hinder justice.
Bagbin assured members while in parliament today that while the immunity granted to them will defend against unlawful or politically motivated persecution, it will not shelter anyone seeking to obstruct investigations.
“I will not shelter anybody here in that direction,” he emphasized. Bagbin reiterated that while constitutional protections will be upheld, privilege cannot be confused with impunity, noting that Parliament requires its rules and privileges to be respected.
