Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon. Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, has mounted a robust defence of his decision not to initiate a probe into the military entry. Speaking candidly about his rationale, Bagbin highlighted concerns over potential conflicts of interest and the impartiality of Parliament in handling the matter.

Reflecting on the incident, Speaker Bagbin questioned the appropriateness of Parliament leading the investigation, especially given his pivotal role during the conflict.

“I felt that there would be some conflict of interest if I am the one seen championing the investigations of that matter, and that was my position.
“If we are the people to preside over this, do you think that we are going to be that impartial in handling the matter? I had my doubts.”
Rt Hon. Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin

Speaker Bagbin’s concerns revolved around the principle of impartiality, which he believes could be compromised if the leadership directly involved in the conflict were to preside over its investigation. This stance underscores a fundamental tenet of fair governance: the need for an unbiased entity to conduct inquiries into disputes.

The military’s entry into Parliament was a significant event that reverberated through Ghanaian society. Various political factions and civil society organizations decried the military’s involvement in parliamentary proceedings, viewing it as a potential threat to democratic norms.

Pressure and Jurisdiction

Despite facing pressure to initiate an investigation, Speaker Bagbin stood firm in his belief that the responsibility did not lie with Parliament.

“There was pressure on me to cause investigations, and I said, well if this has flouted any law, what prevented Ghanaians from taking the matter up to the investigative bodies to investigate and prosecute the people who were involved?
“Why should it be Parliament, and why should it be the Speaker who was the center of the conflict presiding over it for the investigations?”
Rt Hon. Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin

Speaker Bagbin’s argument highlighted a critical jurisdictional issue: the appropriate body to handle such investigations. By deflecting the responsibility to independent investigative bodies, Speaker Bagbin underscored the importance of maintaining institutional boundaries and ensuring that those directly involved in incidents are not the ones to adjudicate them.

During a forum at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), as part of his three-day official tour of the Ashanti Region, Speaker Bagbin marked the 30 years of the Fourth Republican Constitution. He used the platform to advise Ghanaians on the importance of upholding democratic values, especially with the 2024 polls on the horizon.

Bagbin’s reflections on the military entry and his broader call for democratic vigilance are timely reminders of the delicate balance required to maintain democratic governance. His emphasis on impartiality and proper jurisdiction in investigations serves as a call to action for all stakeholders to protect the integrity of Ghana’s democratic institutions.

On 7 January 2021, a historical breach occurred in Ghana’s Parliament. Armed military personnel entered the parliamentary chamber during a highly charged session following the general elections.

This unprecedented move was allegedly to restore order amidst escalating tensions between Members of Parliament (MPs). The incident drew widespread criticism from various political factions and civil society organizations, raising significant concerns about the military’s involvement in parliamentary affairs and its implications for Ghana’s democratic governance.

Speaker Alban Bagbin’s defense of his decision not to probe the military entry into Parliament, rests on crucial principles of impartiality and proper jurisdiction. By highlighting the potential conflict of interest and advocating for independent investigative bodies, Speaker Bagbin underscores the importance of maintaining fair governance practices.

The incident itself remains a poignant reminder of the challenges facing democratic institutions and the need for vigilance in protecting democratic norms. As Ghana approaches the 2024 polls, the lessons from this incident will undoubtedly resonate, urging a collective commitment to uphold the values enshrined in the Fourth Republican Constitution.