The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has cautioned Ghanaian lawmakers to exercise their privileges responsibly, reminding them that no Member of Parliament (MP) is above the laws of Ghana.
Delivering a formal communication to the House on Tuesday 4, 2025, the Speaker condemned the reported assault on officials of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) near Bronikrom–Hwediem in the Ahafo Region, allegedly at the instance of the Member of Parliament for Asutifi North, Ebenezer Kwaku Addo.
Mr. Bagbin stated that the conduct of lawmakers has significant influence and emphasized the point that parliamentary privileges must not be used as shields against accountability.
“Our actions and inactions carry immense power, effect and impact on Ghanaians and the world at large,” he said.
He added that: “The privileges enjoyed by Members are not absolute; they must be exercised responsibly and in accordance with the laws of the land.”
He disclosed that he has instructed the Clerk to Parliament and the Legal Services Department to fully cooperate with the Ghana Police Service in their investigations.
Parliament he said will ensure full compliance with the laws of the Republic as he indicated that “MPs are being investigated, not convicted,” assuring that the House will not shield any member from the law.
However, the Speaker urged the Police to respect parliamentary privileges, particularly when the House is in session.
Leader of Government Business and Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, contributing to the communication, welcomed the Speaker’s caution, stating that MPs must always be accountable.
“As lawmakers, we do not consider ourselves above the law. We are always ready to be held responsible for our actions,” he affirmed.
Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, on his part, called for a collective, non-partisan approach to addressing national challenges such as illegal mining, noting that partisanship often hinders effective governance.
President Akufo-Addo he noted once put his presidency on the line to end galamsey, but expediency has brought us here.
He urged the need to move beyond the NPP–NDC divide to deal with such matters decisively.
Speaker Bagbin’s strong message is seen as part of efforts to reinforce public confidence in Parliament’s commitment to the rule of law and accountability.
