Minority says Attorney General is meddling in Parliamentary Affairs – see their reason

Tensions between the Minority in Parliament and the Attorney General have escalated over what legislators describe as a direct attempt to weaken parliamentary immunity and suppress legislative oversight. The Minority has pushed back against what they see as undue interference from the Attorney General, calling for a strict adherence to the principle of separation of powers.

Speaking to journalists in Parliament, Suame MP John Darko cautioned that any attempts to intimidate lawmakers would be met with strong resistance. He argued that parliamentary immunity is a crucial safeguard that allows MPs to question and expose wrongdoing without fear of legal repercussions.

“This is not about shielding MPs from accountability, but about ensuring they can perform their constitutional duty without intimidation. We will not allow the Attorney General or anyone else to use defamation threats to silence us,” Darko stated.

The controversy stems from the Attorney General’s assertion that parliamentary privileges do not extend to defamation. While the Minority acknowledged that immunity has limits, they stressed that it remains essential for free and open debate.

Beyond the legal argument, the Minority also raised concerns over the Attorney General’s silence on allegations involving national security operatives. They questioned why the nation’s chief legal officer had yet to comment on reports that security personnel raided the residence of a former Bank of Ghana Governor and allegedly seized money and valuables.

“Where is the Attorney General’s voice on this? Has he investigated the claims made by the former governor? The law is clear—truth is a defense in defamation cases, so why the silence?” Darko asked.

Adding to their concerns, the Minority accused the Attorney General of overstepping his boundaries by inserting himself into matters of national security, which officially fall under the jurisdiction of the Interior Minister. Citing a letter from the Presidency dated March 7, 2025, they argued that the AG had no mandate to defend or justify the actions of national security operatives.

“The Attorney General should focus on his core responsibilities and not interfere in matters beyond his portfolio. We urge him to respect the separation of powers and refrain from intimidating MPs who are simply performing their oversight duties,” Darko stressed.

The Minority concluded by calling on the Attorney General to uphold the integrity of his office by remaining neutral, ensuring justice for all citizens, and refraining from what they view as an attempt to stifle parliamentary independence.

“The Attorney General is supposed to be above political interference. His duty is to enforce the law fairly, not to act as a shield for the Executive. We expect him to live up to that responsibility,” Darko asserted.