Former Speaker of Parliament Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye warned that the principle of separation of powers is eroded when the Executive employs state institutions to intimidate or silence members of the opposition. He argued that parliamentary privilege and constitutional protections must be respected regardless of political affiliation.
Oquaye cited his intervention in a case involving former MP for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, who was sought by the Office of the Special Prosecutor during his tenure as Speaker. He said his actions were driven by a need to protect Mr. Ayariga’s constitutional rights, not partisan interests.
"I was very, very, very active in stopping the attempts because, you see, it is not a matter of NPP or NDC," Oquaye said. He invited the then Special Prosecutor to an open meeting and submitted a letter to the records to ensure the matter was handled constitutionally and that Mr. Ayariga would not be abused.
Oquaye added that if journalists investigate his ruling, they will find a thorough tracing of parliamentary privilege’s history, including infractions in England, and its strengthening and purpose.
He concluded that the Executive cannot shut up the opposition without compromising the Constitution’s separation of powers, and that such harassment is unacceptable.
