'We Are Not Safe in Parliament' - Speaker Bagbin Sounds Alarm on Parliamentary Security
Parliament House, Accra, Ghana - 17 March, 2025 - A disturbing trend of attacks on lawmakers and staff within the parliamentary enclave has prompted Speaker Alban Bagbin to issue a stern warning, emphasizing the urgent need to bolster security measures.
In a stark revelation, Bagbin disclosed that intruders have breached Parliament's premises, assaulting members and staff before escaping into the surrounding forest by scaling the perimeter wall.
This alarming scenario has created a sense of insecurity among parliamentarians, with Bagbin acknowledging that the situation has been a longstanding concern.
"We are not safe," Bagbin stressed, underscoring the imperative to secure the parliamentary enclave. "This is vital for the functioning of parliament. "
He expressed confidence that the newly inaugurated Parliamentary Service Board for the ninth Parliament would work diligently to address the security concerns.
''I believe the ninth board will work assiduously to make this a reality.
“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.
''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.
Meanwhile, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has proposed the construction of a new, more secure parliamentary chamber, citing the need for enhanced security measures and modern infrastructure.
However, this suggestion has been met with resistance from the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, who cited the current financial crisis as a hindrance to such a project.
Source: Lead News Online
