The speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has stated that security agencies are not required to seek his permission before arresting or inviting a Member of Parliament for questioning.

Addressing lawmakers during the Second Meeting of the Second Session of Parliament on Thursday, May 21, the Speaker said there appears to be a misunderstanding among sections of the public regarding the powers of security agencies in matters involving MPs.

According to Mr. Bagbin, the responsibility of the Speaker’s office is limited to being officially informed whenever a legislator is arrested, invited for questioning or involved in any security-related matter.

He explained that security institutions are only expected to communicate the circumstances and allegations surrounding such actions to his office.

The Speaker further clarified that the law does not make it mandatory for security agencies to obtain prior approval from the Speaker before taking action against an MP.

He noted that his office only determines whether parliamentary privileges or immunity apply in specific situations involving lawmakers.

The clarification comes amid ongoing public debate over the extent of legal protections and parliamentary privileges available to Members of Parliament facing criminal investigations.

                Mr. Bagbin acknowledged public concerns surrounding the absence of a clear legal framework but said Parliament has had to proceed cautiously because of the complex nature of Ghana’s diverse marriage systems and religious beliefs.   “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.