Former Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has expressed concern over an incident at the Accra High Court involving lawyers for detained Techiman-based nurse Salomey Baffoe Awiti, security personnel believed to be from EOCO, and a Member of Parliament. The incident has sparked concerns about the manner in which law-enforcement agencies engage with MPs, particularly when legislators are carrying out their parliamentary responsibilities.
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu said the incident was “the most unfortunate,” particularly because it occurred within the precincts of the court. He questioned why EOCO proceeded with an action against the MP after the law firm concerned had already engaged the investigative body and submitted a statement. According to him, the firm had responded to EOCO’s invitation through a designated senior officer, who engaged the agency on three separate occasions.
The former Majority Leader urged the leadership of EOCO to have a clear understanding of the constitutional provisions governing Parliament and the privileges of Members of Parliament. He argued that these provisions are intended to ensure that Members of Parliament can perform their constitutional duties without undue obstruction. He noted that where an MP attends court in connection with a matter of parliamentary interest, the legislator should be allowed to perform that responsibility.
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu described the subsequent action as unnecessary and cautioned against allowing similar incidents to occur. “It is unnecessary and should not be allowed to have any further proliferation. It’s dangerous to our democracy.” He further noted that Parliament has constitutional powers to protect its privileges and deal with conduct considered contemptuous of its authority and dignity.
The former Majority Leader said the privileges enjoyed by MPs are not intended to shield them from legitimate investigations but to protect Parliament’s ability to function effectively. He urged EOCO and other law-enforcement institutions to exercise caution when dealing with legislators and to resolve disagreements through established legal channels.
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu emphasized that Ghana’s democratic institutions must respect each other’s constitutional mandates if the country is to strengthen its democratic governance. He maintained that accountability and parliamentary privilege can coexist, provided all parties operate within the law.
The incident has sparked a wider conversation about the relationship between law enforcement agencies and Parliament, with many calling for greater understanding and respect for the constitutional roles of each institution. Key Points:
Key points
- EOCO must understand and respect the constitutional provisions governing Parliament and the privileges of Members of Parliament.
- The incident at the Accra High Court highlights the need for greater understanding and respect between law enforcement agencies and Parliament.
- Parliament has constitutional powers to protect its privileges and deal with conduct considered contemptuous of its authority and dignity.
