Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has clarified that security agencies do not need his permission before arresting or inviting a Member of Parliament for questioning.
Addressing lawmakers at the opening of the Second Meeting of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament on Thursday, May 21, 2026, Mr Bagbin stated that Parliament’s leadership has no authority to approve or prevent the arrest of MPs.
He explained that the responsibility of law enforcement agencies is to officially notify the Speaker’s office of any intended action against an MP and provide details of the allegations or circumstances leading to the investigation or arrest. According to him, the Speaker’s office would then determine whether parliamentary privilege or immunity applies under the law.
“It’s not for the security agents to seek my permission before arresting or inviting a Member of Parliament for questioning. It’s for them to inform me and include the circumstances or the allegations that have created the suspicion,” he stated.
Mr Bagbin’s remarks reinforce the position that Parliament should not serve as protection against lawful investigations, while also upholding the constitutional rights and privileges available to legislators where applicable.