The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has emphasized his commitment to upholding the Constitution as the highest authority in Ghana, asserting that it should take precedence over any single institution, including the judiciary or the Supreme Court.
Speaking at a media briefing in Parliament on Wednesday, November 6, Bagbin stated, “I believe in the supremacy of the Constitution. Mark my words, the supremacy of the Constitution, not the supremacy of the judiciary or Supreme Court.” He argued that the Constitution should remain the ultimate guide in governance, promoting a balance of power rather than allowing any branch to dominate.
Bagbin underscored the importance of a dynamic Parliament that represents the political will of the people and exercises its constitutional rights with vigor. “A Parliament that understands, reflects, and embodies the will of the people, and defends its constitutional prerogatives, only works in the interest of Ghana and Ghanaians—not a rubber-stamp Parliament subservient to the whims and caprices of the executive or the judiciary,” he remarked.
In his address, Bagbin highlighted Parliament’s role in holding the executive accountable, which he described as essential to a functional democracy. He insisted that Parliament must be empowered to fulfill its legislative responsibilities and ensure checks and balances within the government. “Parliament must be strong to perform its legislative function and, more importantly, to hold the president to account,” he said.
Bagbin also acknowledged the valuable roles played by civil society, the media, and the public in governance but noted that only Parliament has the “constitutional and legal mandate” to oversee the executive. “The public, media, civil society, and other partners in governance can make constructive inputs and criticize actions of government bodies, but these entities are not constitutionally mandated to hold the executive accountable,” he clarified.
The Speaker expressed his vision for a Parliament that serves the nation’s interests above any political affiliations. “My dream is a patriotic one—a firm, effective, efficient, and responsive Parliament whose members place national and constituency interests ahead of narrow, partisan, or personal interests,” Bagbin concluded.
Bagbin’s comments underscore his belief in a balanced and robust democratic system, with Parliament playing a central role in preserving Ghana’s constitutional integrity.
