The Speaker of Ghana's Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin, has urged the Parliament's Human Rights Committee to take proactive measures in investigating reported human rights abuses. He emphasized that the committee has the authority to inquire into such matters and should take an active interest in protecting citizens' rights. This call was made during an emergency sitting of Parliament on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
Speaker Bagbin stressed that Parliament and its committees have a responsibility under the Standing Orders to engage actively with issues affecting public discourse and examine whether existing legal and institutional frameworks are adequate. He noted that the committee should not wait for formal referrals before taking action, but rather take the initiative to investigate reported abuses.
The Speaker also called for measures to address abuses in public discourse to be consistent with the Constitution and proportionate to the conduct involved. He emphasized that efforts to protect citizens from unlawful conduct should not result in the criminalization of legitimate disagreement or criticism of public officials.
Speaker Bagbin further urged Parliament to examine the conduct of its own members as it calls on journalists, broadcasters, bloggers, content creators, and other citizens to exercise responsibility in their public statements. He noted that Parliament cannot credibly demand higher standards of public discourse from the public without holding its members to similar standards.
The Speaker noted that statements made by MPs and other parliamentary activities have a wider influence on public discourse, given the extensive coverage of proceedings in the chamber and committee meetings. He emphasized that press conferences, interviews, public meetings, and social media engagements by MPs also contribute to shaping conversations across the country.
Speaker Bagbin added that Parliament's position in the country's governance structure places a responsibility on its members to consider the impact of their words and conduct on public debate. He noted that MPs are not merely participants in the national conversation, but rather among those who shape it.
The Speaker's remarks come as Parliament considers concerns about insults and the broader standards of communication in public life, with a focus on balancing accountability for unlawful conduct with the protection of freedom of expression. His comments were made in the context of growing concerns about the use of insults in public life.
Key points
- The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has urged the Human Rights Committee to proactively investigate human rights abuses.
- He emphasized that measures to address abuses in public discourse must be consistent with the Constitution.
- The Speaker also called on Parliament to examine the conduct of its own members in exercising responsibility in public statements.
