Parliament is the heartbeat of our democracy, a place where leadership should be exercised with integrity, discipline, and respect. Yet, time and again, Ghanaians have watched members of our highest legislative body engage in lawlessness—reckless destruction of property, disruptive misconduct, offensive rhetoric, and even the shocking assault of a police officer by a sitting Member of Parliament.
The question we must now ask is this: Has parliamentary immunity become a shield for misconduct rather than a safeguard for democracy?
The Role of Parliamentary Immunity
Immunity was designed to protect lawmakers from arbitrary arrests and intimidation, ensuring free speech and effective legislative functioning. However, immunity must never be allowed to cloak indiscipline or grant impunity for wrongdoing. Ghana must restore the original intent of parliamentary protection—one that upholds accountability and reinforces respect for the rule of law.
Legislators must be held to the highest standards. Words spoken in Parliament shape narratives and policies. Conduct displayed within Parliament sets the tone for governance. When reckless statements, insults, and physical aggression become normalized, Ghana’s democratic integrity is weakened.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP)—No One is Above the Law
A lawmaker assaulting a police officer is not merely an attack on an individual; it is a direct insult to the rule of law itself. The police service represents law enforcement across the country, ensuring national security and stability. If an elected Member of Parliament can engage in such actions without consequence, what message does that send to the ordinary citizen?
The IGP must stand firm—there must be consequences. No individual, regardless of status, should be allowed to undermine the authority of the law. A police officer attacked in the line of duty deserves justice, and the people of Ghana demand to see it delivered.
Recommendations for Immediate Action
To restore parliamentary integrity and reinforce accountability, the following urgent reforms must be enacted:
Review of Parliamentary Immunity – Immunity must serve its intended purpose, not protect indiscipline or criminal acts. Strict Disciplinary Measures – Lawmakers involved in misconduct, destruction of property, or physical aggression must face swift and decisive consequences. Ethical Training for MPs – Mandatory training must be introduced to restore respect, discipline, and responsible governance. Independent Oversight Mechanisms – A parliamentary ethics committee, free from political interference, must be empowered to investigate misconduct and recommend sanctions. Public Accountability Structures – Citizens must have clear avenues to report parliamentary misconduct, ensuring transparency and responsiveness. Stronger Enforcement by the IGP – The Inspector General of Police must uphold the law without fear or favor, ensuring that no political status overrides legal consequences.
A Call to Action—Ghanaians Are Watching
The Honourable Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, stands at a decisive crossroads. Will he take bold action to restore dignity in Ghana’s highest legislative body, or will these concerns continue to be swept under the carpet?
Leadership requires more than words—it demands decisive action. Ghanaians will not forget.
Parliament must be a beacon of integrity, not a battleground for indiscipline.
The IGP must uphold the law, ensuring that justice applies to all—without exception.
The time for reform is now.
Retired Senior Citizen
Teshie-Nungua
[email protected]
#IntegrityInParliament #NoImpunity #GhanaiansAreWatching
