No one is above the law—not even Members of Parliament. That’s the bold stance Alban Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, is taking in the wake of a shocking incident involving the alleged attack on the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS). But here’s where it gets controversial: Bagbin has vowed not to shield any lawmaker from facing legal consequences, even if it means challenging long-held perceptions of parliamentary privilege.
Reacting to the recent police invitation extended to Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, the Asutifi North Member of Parliament, Bagbin clarified that this is not about protecting lawmakers’ immunities. Addo is under investigation for his alleged role in the November 1, 2025, attack on NAIMOS officials in Hwidiem. The MP is accused of inciting a mob and obstructing the team, though he denies these claims, insisting he was merely trying to restore calm. This case has sparked intense debate: Are MPs misusing their positions to evade accountability, or is this an overreach of legal scrutiny?
Bagbin emphasized, ‘The Honourable MP is being investigated; he has not been convicted. We want to erase the perception that members are always shielded from the due process of the law.’ This statement underscores a broader issue: the public’s growing distrust in the system’s ability to hold powerful figures accountable. And this is the part most people miss: While parliamentary privileges exist to protect lawmakers from political retribution, they were never intended to grant immunity from criminal acts.
The Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has escalated the matter by directing the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters to take over the investigation. This move signals the seriousness of the allegations and the commitment to uncovering the truth. But it also raises questions: Will this set a precedent for how future cases involving lawmakers are handled? And how will this impact the delicate balance between legislative independence and legal accountability?
As the investigation unfolds, one thing is clear: Bagbin’s stance is a watershed moment in Ghana’s political landscape. It challenges the status quo and invites a much-needed conversation about the limits of power and the rule of law. But here’s the thought-provoking question for you: Should MPs enjoy any special protections when accused of criminal acts, or should they be treated like any other citizen? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this is a debate worth having.
