Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has returned a set of court documents served to the Parliamentary Service, asserting constitutional immunity under Article 117 of 1992 Constitution.
In formal communication to the Supreme Court, the Speaker’s office cited legal protections that shield Members of Parliament (MPs) from direct court processes, emphasising Parliament’s autonomy in such judicial matters.
The documents, delivered on October 16 by three court bailiffs to the Legal Services Office of the Parliamentary Service, were sent back with a letter signed by Deputy Clerk Ebenezer Djietror. The letter highlighted the Speaker’s stance, stating, “The attached processes…are hereby returned.”
Speaker Bagbin’s response referenced a July 2024 directive from the Judicial Secretary, Justice Cyra Pamela C.A. Korangteng, titled “Enforcement of articles 117 and 118 of the Constitution – Immunity from Service of Process and Arrest.” The directive underscores MPs’ immunity from court summons and legal processes while performing their duties.
The letter further requested the Judiciary to recognise these constitutional provisions regarding MPs’ immunity, underscoring the independence of Ghana’s legislative body in judicial proceedings involving its members.
Source:TheDotNews