Professor Oquaye reveals how he blocked OSP attempt to arrest Mahama Ayariga

Former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, has warned against the use of state power to intimidate opposition lawmakers, revealing that he once intervened to prevent an attempt by the then Special Prosecutor to arrest Bawku Central MP Mahama Ayariga. Professor Oquaye said his intervention was driven by the need to defend the independence of Parliament and protect the constitutional rights of an MP, rather than partisan considerations. According to him, allowing the Executive or its agencies to interfere with lawmakers without regard for constitutional safeguards could undermine the principle of separation of powers. “Honourable Ayariga was wanted by the previous Special Prosecutor during my tenure. I was very, very, very active in stopping the attempts because, you see, it is not a matter of NPP or NDC,” he said. Watch as Ghanaian man is questioned by US bank before withdrawing $20,000 He explained that he insisted on protecting Ayariga’s rights and subsequently invited the then Special Prosecutor to an open meeting to ensure that the matter was handled in accordance with the Constitution. “I was very much insistent on protecting his rights. So much so that I invited the Special Prosecutor for an open meeting, so that we all follow the tenets of the Constitution,” he stated. The former Speaker said he also formally documented his position in a letter to ensure that Parliament’s objection to any infringement on the MP’s rights remained on record. “I supported it with a letter for the records. It’s there. And Ayariga would not be abused. His rights would not be abused,” he said. Professor Oquaye said the issue went beyond protecting one MP, stressing that it was also about safeguarding Parliament from interference by other arms of government. He said his ruling on the matter traced the development of parliamentary privilege, including historical events in England that led to stronger protections for lawmakers. “If you read my ruling... I traced the history of parliamentary privilege, including the infractions that took place even in England, and how it came to be strengthened, and the purpose behind it,” he said. PHOTOS: Togbe Afede XIV leads colourful procession for Asogli Te Za 2026 Professor Oquaye maintained that such protections were essential to ensuring that MPs, particularly those on the opposition benches, could perform their duties without intimidation. “You cannot have separation of powers in the Constitution if the Executive takes steps to shut up the opposition, and that harassment is not good,” he added. DR/MA We need unity to make our party great again – NPP's Patricia Appiagyei Source: www.ghanaweb.com
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