'No permission needed to arrest an MP' - Speaker Bagbin clarifies

Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has clarified that security agencies do not need his approval before arresting a Member of Parliament (MP) suspected of wrongdoing.

Addressing the House on Thursday May 21, 2026, at the opening of the Second Meeting of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament, Bagbin explained that while security agencies are permitted to arrest or invite MPs for investigations, the law only requires that he be informed of such actions and the circumstances surrounding them.

Speaking at the opening of the Second Meeting of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament, the Speaker dismissed claims that his permission was necessary before an MP could be apprehended.

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“There is a misconception that before an MP is arrested, the Speaker must give approval. That is not the state of the law,” he stated.

Bagbin explained that once notified, he would examine the details of the matter to determine whether the MP in question enjoyed any parliamentary privilege or immunity under the law.

According to him, security agencies are expected to communicate the allegations or circumstances leading to the arrest or invitation of an MP for questioning.

“They must only inform me of incidents involving MPs as to whether they had gone on the wrong side of the law or not,” he said.

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Proceedings of Thursday, 21st May, 2026

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