Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has warned newly recruited parliamentary security officers against reporting for duty under the influence of alcohol, saying repeated violations could lead to dismissal.
He issued the warning on Friday, August 29, 2026, during the passing-out ceremony for 69 newly recruited parliamentary assistant security guards.
Bagbin told the recruits that discipline and professionalism would be central to their responsibilities, particularly because they would be tasked with protecting Parliament and its precincts.
The Speaker said officers who report for duty with the smell of alcohol on them would face disciplinary action. He specifically warned that a third offence would result in dismissal.
He also urged the new officers to keep their social activities separate from their official responsibilities. While addressing the recruits, Bagbin stressed that security personnel must remain alert, disciplined and capable of enforcing access-control measures at all times.
The warning forms part of a broader charge to the newly trained officers to treat their roles with seriousness. At a related ceremony, the Speaker said Parliament remains a sensitive security environment and described the protection of its precincts as a responsibility of the Parliamentary Marshal Department, also known as the Sergeant-at-Arms.
Bagbin further called on the officers to perform their duties with firmness while maintaining respect, neutrality and impartiality when dealing with MPs, parliamentary staff and visitors.
The recruits had undergone military training with the Ghana Armed Forces at the 64 Infantry Regiment’s Asutsuare Training Centre. The wider training programme also emphasised areas such as access control, first aid, conflict de-escalation and emergency response.
For the Speaker, the conduct of parliamentary security personnel is closely tied to the safety and dignity of the institution. His message to the new recruits was therefore not limited to alcohol use but extended to punctuality, professional appearance, vigilance, proper use of authority and adherence to security procedures.
Bagbin’s warning means officers entering service should expect strict disciplinary standards, particularly when their conduct could affect their ability to perform security duties.
