It’s not for security agents to seek my permission before arresting, inviting MPs — Bagbin

Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has clarified that security agencies are not required to seek his approval 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 explained that the responsibility of the security agencies is only to officially notify his office whenever action is taken against an MP.

According to him, there is a widespread misunderstanding that the Speaker’s permission must first be obtained before any lawmaker can be questioned or arrested by state security agencies.

Mr. Bagbin stated that the Speaker’s office only needs to be informed about the circumstances surrounding the matter, including the allegations or suspicions leading to the action against the MP.

He explained that his office would then determine whether parliamentary privilege or immunity applies in the particular case.

“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.

The Speaker’s remarks come amid increasing public debate over the extent of legal protections and parliamentary privileges available to Members of Parliament in the course of criminal investigations.

www.modernghana.com