Alban Bagbin urges independence for parliamentary legal counsels

Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has called for the absolute independence of parliamentary legal advice, describing it as a fundamental pillar for sustaining democracy across Africa. Speaking at the 8th Africa Colloquium of Legal Counsel to Parliaments in Accra on October 13, 2026, Bagbin emphasized that legal professionals serving legislatures must remain impartial and prioritize the institution over individual political parties or partisan interests. He noted that the primary client of a legal counsel is the legislature itself, necessitating honesty and professional integrity even when such advice is politically unwelcome. To support this mandate, the Speaker advocated for the adoption of rigorous standards regarding conflict of interest, the responsible use of artificial intelligence, and continuous professional development for legal staff. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin echoed these sentiments, specifically warning against the legislature's over-reliance on the Executive branch for legal guidance. He argued that autonomous legal offices within parliaments are vital for effective oversight, particularly when scrutinizing contentious bills and international agreements that affect the rights of citizens. Afenyo-Markin noted that without independent legal counsel, Parliament’s ability to check government actions is significantly compromised. The colloquium brought together legal experts and stakeholders from across the continent to discuss the autonomy and resources available to legal counsels in African legislatures. Speakers, including the Attorney-General, reinforced the necessity of rigorous legal scrutiny to safeguard the public interest. The consensus among the leadership was that African citizens look to their parliaments as a bulwark against governance failures, a role that can only be fulfilled if the legal frameworks supporting these institutions are robust, independent, and resistant to external political pressure.