The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Member of Parliament for Bekwai, Mr. Joseph Osei Owusu, has directed the leadership of the House from both the Majority and the Minority side, to meet with the Interior Ministry and the security agencies, to draw a comprehensive plan on how to safeguard the lives of Members of Parliament.
Mr. Osei Owusu pointed out that MPs should be vigilant about their security arrangements, as the presence of the police is not a guarantee for safety.
His directive came on the back of the call by the leadership of the House, to protect Members of Parliament from attacks as one of their colleagues, Mr. Kennedy Kankam was held hostage by a gang of armed robbers.
The Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, stated on the floor of Parliament that per Article 71 of the 1992 Constitution, protection is part of the facilities and privileges MPs must enjoy, and that it should be made available.
The Minority Leader added that each MP should be provided with a close security officer for protection.
On the attack on Mr. Kankam, Mr. Iddrisu, urged the Interior Minister, to instruct the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to immediately commence investigations into the matter and submit a report to Parliament.
Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Suame, Mr. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, also indicated that attacks on MPs have left other Members worried, and feeling insecure.
Mr.Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu further explained that it is time for the country to make a determination on providing security to MPs.
“If we must be candid with ourselves, if MMDCEs are provided with security, why can’t we do the same for Members of Parliament”, he stressed.
Source: Ghanajustice/S.Ayisi
