The leadership of Ghana’s Parliament are crying for Police protection at home over trends of life threats events that had occurred involving some members of Parliament in recent times.
Although MPs in Ghana have security at home provided by privately owned security companies in Ghana, they have hinted that it is not enough for their safety.
It will be recalled that Kennedy Kankam, the Member of Parliament for Nyiaseso was held at a gunpoint at his own residence for three hours last Sunday.
It was reported that the three men who attacked him made away with his 4 wheel drive vehicle and some valuable items belonging to the legislator.
The unidentified assailants reportedly scaled a wall into the main yard of the MP’s residence and used a metal cutter to gain access to the bedroom of the legislator.
This but one of the myriad reasons why leaders in Parliament are calling Police protections at their homes.
The Majority Leader, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu according to a report by Myjoyonline, has intimated that most members of the house are feeling insecure as their own homes are liable to attacks by unscrupulous men because there is no utmost security.
“If we must be candid with ourselves, so many districts have been created and appropriately so, MMDCEs are provided with security, why can’t we do the same for Members of Parliament.
“I think going forward, the country should make a determined effort…being very decisive about this, because we cannot continue to imperil the lives of MPs,” he lamented.
The Majority Leader also chronicled several instances where MPs travelling without security have been attacked.
“I think the time has come for the state to take a decision on the security of Members of Parliament. The situation is getting worse so I will urge with a humble plea for the Interior Minister…that indeed a decision has to be taken on the way forward about the security of Members of Parliament.”
But the Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu agrees.
Citing Article 71, the Tamale South MP said the provision of protection is part of the facilities and privileges MPs must enjoy and it that should be made available.
The Article 71 Committee has been inaugurated by the President to make recommendations on the salaries and allowances payable and the facilities and privileges available to Article 71 officeholders.
“As they get to work, Mr Iddrisu wants MPs to be “ready to forfeit that 10 per cent for security added to your salary which doesn’t protect you anyway or provide for your security.
“Alternatively we demand that each Member of Parliament is provided with a close security person,” he added.
