The Minority Chief Whip has formally accused certain national security and intelligence agencies of flouting established parliamentary protocols in their engagements with Members of Parliament (MPs). In a memorandum addressed to Speaker Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin on 9th April 2025, the Chief Whip highlighted concerns over the agencies’ failure to adhere to directives designed to protect the privileges and immunities of MPs.
The memorandum references the Speaker’s prior guidance, notably a letter dated 2nd April 2025 to the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), which underscored the necessity for agencies to follow constitutional provisions specifically Articles 117 and 118 of the 1992 Constitution when engaging MPs. These articles safeguard MPs from certain legal processes and ensure that any required interactions are conducted with due respect to their parliamentary duties.
Despite these directives, the memorandum cites a recent incident involving an alleged attempt by the NIB to arrest Hon. Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, MP for Assin South and Ranking Member of the Defence and Interior Committee. The reported attempt occurred at his residence on 9th April 2025, following a press conference he held on behalf of the Minority Caucus addressing matters of national importance. The Chief Whip contends that this action blatantly disregards established protocols and undermines the authority of the Speaker’s office.
The memorandum emphasizes that such actions violate the constitutional privileges of MPs and pose a threat to the principle of separation of powers. It calls upon the Speaker to reaffirm the earlier directives and engage with the heads of the relevant security agencies to ensure future compliance with constitutional and procedural standards in their interactions with Parliamentarians.
