Alban Bagbin is the Speaker of Parliament

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has issued a firm directive to all Members of Parliament (MPs), ministers, and deputy ministers currently holding any office of profit or emoluments not expressly authorised by law, or falling outside constitutional exceptions, giving them a 14-day deadline for such individuals to regularise their positions or risk violating the 1992 Constitution.

According to a report by graphic.com.gh, Speaker Bagbin emphasised that no member or government official shall retain such an office without prior approval from the Speaker.

He warned that “silence, oversight or informality shall not be accepted as a substitute for compliance.

“Any such member shall, within 14 days from the date of communication, submit to the Committee on Office of Profit a formal request for approval in accordance with the procedure set out under Standing Order 244."

The directive requires full disclosure of the nature of the appointment, duties, remuneration, and any relevant information necessary for assessment.

The Committee on Office of Profit, chaired by the Second Deputy Speaker and comprising up to 14 members, has been instructed to treat all requests with urgency.

Speaker Alban Bagbin stressed that this move is to ensure compliance with Articles 78(3) and 98(2) of the 1992 Constitution, which are intended to maintain a balance between the executive and legislature, and to guard against undue influence, politicisation of institutions, and abuse of public office.

He noted that the increasing trend of MPs and ministers accepting appointments on boards, committees, and in private ventures, often without parliamentary scrutiny raises serious ethical and constitutional concerns.

“These provisions ensure that ministers and members do not convert public service into a platform for personal wealth accumulation,” Bagbin stated, adding that such practices could weaken oversight and compromise public trust in Parliament.

The Speaker of Parliament reiterated that his discretion in approving such offices is bound by law and must follow committee recommendations.

The structured framework, he said, is not subject to personal interpretation or optional compliance.

He called on all MPs and ministers to adhere strictly to these constitutional and procedural requirements, reminding them that public office comes with a responsibility to uphold credibility, transparency, and institutional integrity.

This directive forms part of broader efforts to uphold accountability and restore full compliance with Ghana’s constitutional mandates concerning public service and political office, the report added.

AS/AE

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