Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin tasks legal counsel to prioritize Parliament

Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has called on parliamentary legal practitioners across Africa to maintain strict non-partisanship and prioritize the integrity of the legislative institution over political interests. Speaking at the opening of the 8th African Colloquium of Legal Counsel to Parliaments in Accra, the Speaker emphasized that independent and honest legal advice is a fundamental pillar for safeguarding constitutional boundaries and ensuring the democratic process remains robust. The colloquium, themed "Ethics, Integrity and Legal Accountability," served as a platform to review the Nairobi Principles, which outline international standards for impartial legal services in legislative bodies.

Bagbin highlighted that the primary client of a parliamentary lawyer is the institution itself, not any specific political party or individual leader. He urged legal counsel to possess the moral courage to provide unbiased opinions, even when such advice might be politically unwelcome or inconvenient for those in power. He specifically cautioned against the practice of selectively commissioning legal opinions to favor political expediency, noting that such actions undermine the rule of law and the credibility of the legislature.

Beyond non-partisanship, the Speaker stressed the vital role of legal drafters in curbing corruption and protecting public resources. He argued that the quality of legislation directly impacts a government's ability to translate policies into tangible benefits for citizens. By ensuring that laws are precise, strong, and capable of withstanding judicial scrutiny, legal practitioners act as a safeguard against the misappropriation of public funds and help to enhance overall governmental accountability and public trust.

Furthermore, Bagbin addressed emerging challenges in the legislative field, specifically the risks associated with the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in drafting. He advocated for the implementation of strict protocols to ensure human oversight remains central to the legal review process, preventing technological errors or algorithmic biases from compromising legislative integrity. He encouraged delegates to pursue continuous professional development and uphold the highest ethical standards to keep pace with these evolving institutional demands.

In his concluding remarks, the Speaker noted that a non-partisan approach to legal counsel is essential for ensuring democratic fairness and the long-term stability of African parliaments. He emphasized that the survival of democracy depends on the professional judgment of those who draft and interpret the laws, urging them to remain steadfast in their commitment to truth and the public interest regardless of partisan pressure. Delegates were encouraged to return to their respective nations with a renewed focus on maintaining the independence and dignity of the parliamentary legal office.