Security agencies don’t need my permission to arrest you – Speaker Bagbin to MPs

The Alban Bagbin, Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana, has clarified that security agencies are not required to seek his permission before arresting or inviting any Member of Parliament for questioning, stressing that their only obligation is to officially notify his office.

Addressing lawmakers during the Second Meeting of the Second Session of Parliament on Thursday, May 21, Mr Bagbin said there is a growing misunderstanding regarding legal procedures involving MPs and law enforcement institutions.

According to him, the leadership of Parliament does not have the authority to approve or block arrests or investigations involving legislators.

He explained that the duty of law enforcement bodies is simply to communicate with the Speaker’s office about any action taken against an MP, including the allegations or circumstances that triggered the arrest or investigation.

Mr Bagbin added that his office will then assess whether any parliamentary privilege or immunity applies in accordance with Ghanaian law.

“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 said.