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0 The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has expressed concern over the security of lawmakers and Parliamentary Service members, citing increasing incidents of attacks within the Parliamentary enclave.
He alleged that intruders who had previously entered Parliament’s premises and attacked members and staff, often escaped by scaling the perimeter wall into the surrounding forest.
“One of the challenges that need to be addressed is to secure the parliamentary enclave to ensure the safety of members and staff.
“This has been a worrying matter for parliament for some time now, we are actually insecure here. We are not safe,” Speaker Bagbin emphasised on Monday, at the inauguration of the Ninth Parliamentary Service Board in Parliament House, Accra.
With the Speaker as the Chairman of the Parliamentary Service Board, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, the Clerk to Parliament; Mr. Mahama Ayariga, Majority Leader; Mr. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, Minority Leader; Madam Angela Oforiwa Alorwu-Tay, a Former National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament (MP) for Afadjato South and Mr. Mark Assibey Yeboah, a former New Patriotic Party MP for New Juaben South, are members.
While Mr. Bernard Ahiafor, First Deputy Speaker, and Mr. Andrew Amoako Asiamah, the Second Deputy Speaker are Co-opted members, Nana Tawiah, is the Secretary to the Board and is assisted by Mrs. Linda Boadu.
Mr. Bagbin noted that the strengthening of security within the precinct of Parliament was essential for the smooth functioning of the House.
He said: “We are not safe. Sometimes people can come in and attack us or staff and anytime there is an attempt to apprehend them, they scale over the wall and escape into the forest. This is vital for the functioning of Parliament. I believe the ninth board will work assiduously to make this a reality.”
“I will call on the leaders of the house to follow up on this matter. I urge the Majority Leader to prioritise efforts to enhance security measures within the precincts of the House,” he added.
Minority Leader, Mr. Alexander Afenyo-Markin proposed the establishment of a new Parliamentary chamber to enhance security, highlighting the need for new infrastructure that reflected the importance of the legislative arm of government.
“Mr. Speaker, indeed, when I visited the British Parliament, even within the chamber, there is enhanced security. Here in the public gallery, anybody at all can throw anything at an MP, and there is no security,” Mr. Afenyo-Markin stated.
However, Majority Leader, Mr. Mahama Ayariga rejected the proposal, citing the current financial crisis of the state as the reason.
