Lawyer and energy expert Lom-Nuku Ahlijah says Members of Parliament in Ghana do not enjoy immunity from criminal prosecution.
According to him, MPs only receive limited protections linked to their parliamentary duties. He stressed that these protections do not prevent criminal investigations, arrests, or prosecutions.
Mr Ahlijah made the remarks on JoyNews’ AM Show on Monday, May 18, during discussions on the detention of the Asante Akyem North MP.
“There is no immunity from crime, even in Ghana, when you are an MP. We have had many cases where MPs have been prosecuted before,” he said.
Mr. Ahlijah explained that constitutional protections for MPs mainly cover their movement to and from Parliament and actions connected to parliamentary work.
He noted that law enforcement agencies can still invite MPs for questioning, arrest them, and file charges if there is enough legal basis.
“You can even be invited, placed under arrest, and have charges filed,” he stated.
The lawyer cited several examples of sitting MPs who faced legal action while serving in Parliament.
He mentioned the case involving Cassiel Ato Forson.
“We have had many cases; for example, there is the Ato Forson case. He was a sitting MP when the case was going on,” he said.
Mr. Ahlijah also referred to the case involving Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and investigations linked to the ORAL initiative.
“So, when it comes to crime, there is no immunity. We have had Mahama Ayariga’s case. We have had many, even recently,” he added.
Mr. Ahlijah also argued that MPs cannot use immunity to avoid legal action in other countries.
Recent reports claim the MP for Asante Akyem North, Ohene Kwame Frimpong, travelled from Ghana on Saturday and arrived in Amsterdam on Sunday. Reports further allege that security officials picked him up before he completed immigration procedures.
The MP has denied allegations linking him to financial crimes and human trafficking-related offences.
Some reports also claim US law enforcement agencies had investigated him over alleged financial crimes tied to a restaurant and supermarket business in Chicago.
According to the allegations, the business was used to move suspected fraudulent funds linked to individuals currently serving prison sentences in the United States.
The reports further claim the Federal Bureau of Investigation monitored the activities for years after an alleged raid on the premises.
They also allege that several women connected to the case were arrested over bank accounts reportedly used to transfer funds.
