Elikplim Agbemava calls for legislative clarity on parliamentary immunity

Elikplim Agbemava Lorlormava, a legal practitioner and  stalwart of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), has called for stricter legislation to regulate parliamentary immunity, following recent allegations made by Assin South Member of Parliament (MP), Ntim Fordjour, regarding some illicit cargo on flights in the country.

Mr. Agbemava argued that while the 1992 constitution grants MPs immunity for statements made in parliament, this privilege should not be abused to shield criminal or defamatory remarks. His comments come amid growing concerns over the conduct of Hon. Fordjour in recent times.

“We need a lot of legislation coming out of the constitution,” Agbemava stated, adding that: “For example, a Member of Parliament who enjoys immunity from prosecution for things said in parliament must not be allowed to abuse that privilege. There must be exceptions to that, for a citizen who elected such a person cannot be exposed to the law whilst his elected officials enjoy absolute immunity even from criminal and defamatory statements.”

He emphasized that subsidiary legislation should clearly define the limits of constitutional rights and powers to prevent misuse.

“How we enjoy every right and exercise every power in the Constitution must be explained in subsidiary legislation. I believe 90 percent of the [privilege abuse] we see from irresponsible politicians will be curtailed,” he added.

Agbemava’s remarks were in reaction to claims by the Assin South lawmaker who alleged that two flights in the country had been involved in transporting illicit cargo. While Fordjour’s statements were made under parliamentary privilege, Mr. Agbemava’s intervention highlights the need for accountability in political discourse.