The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, has strongly condemned the recent attack on security officers engaged in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

In a formal statement on the floor of Parliament, the speaker emphasised the need for collective condemnation of such acts, describing them as unacceptable and a threat to national security and the rule of law.

According to the speaker, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Asutifi South, Collins Dauda, has directed his office to fully cooperate with the Ghana Police Service (GPS) in its ongoing investigation into the incident. The directive, he said, will be carried out within the confines of the law and the Standing Orders of Parliament.

Mr Bagbin clarified that Parliament is not shielding any MP from the rule of law. He noted that several MPs have previously been investigated and have voluntarily submitted themselves to police inquiries, reflecting Parliament’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

The speaker, however, urged the Ghana Police Service to respect the privileges and immunities of MPs, particularly when the House is in session. He stressed that these privileges are not absolute and must be exercised responsibly and in accordance with the law.

“Parliament will continue to cooperate with the Police and other investigative bodies to ensure that justice is served without fear or favour,” the Speaker assured. “Our aim is not to protect MPs from accountability, but to uphold due process and the rule of law.”

Speaker Bagbin reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to working closely with the security agencies to maintain law and order and to ensure that all investigations involving MPs are conducted fairly and transparently.