The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has reaffirmed his commitment to improving security and infrastructure within Parliament, stressing that any decisions taken will be in the best interest of all Ghanaians.

0

Speaking at the inauguration of the Ninth Parliamentary Service Board in Accra, the Speaker acknowledged the security challenges faced by lawmakers and staff, citing incidents where intruders had breached the premises and attacked members of Parliament and their employees.

1

“We lost some staff as a result of issues of healthcare, some of which unfortunately could have been saved. The issues that have been raised are things we will discuss at arm’s length. We will definitely take decisions that will be enormous to the benefit of every Ghanaian. We will definitely not look at ourselves as any special class. That will not happen,” he assured.The Speaker made these statements on Monday, March 17, at the inauguration of the Ninth Parliamentary Service Board in Parliament House, Accra.

2

Highlighting concerns over safety, Mr. Bagbin noted that unauthorized individuals had, on multiple occasions, infiltrated the parliamentary enclave, posing serious threats to those working within its premises.

3

“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.”

4

He urged leaders of the House, particularly the Majority Leader, to prioritize efforts aimed at strengthening security measures within Parliament.

5

“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.

6

Meanwhile, the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, suggested that the construction of a new parliamentary chamber could help enhance security, pointing out vulnerabilities in the current setup.

7

“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,” he remarked.

8

But, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga dismissed the proposal, arguing that the current financial difficulties facing the nation made such an undertaking impractical at this time.

9

The Speaker reiterated that securing Parliament and improving its infrastructure were critical to ensuring its effective functioning.

10

The newly inaugurated Parliamentary Service Board, chaired by Speaker Bagbin, includes Clerk to Parliament Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, Majority Leader Mr. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Minority Leader Mr. Mahama Ayariga, former MP for Afadjato South Madam Angela Oforiwa Alorwu-Tay, and former MP for New Juaben South Mr. Mark Assibey Yeboah. Additionally, First Deputy Speaker Mr. Bernard Ahiafor and Second Deputy Speaker Mr. Andrew Amoako Asiamah serve as co-opted members, while Nana Tawiah is the Board Secretary, assisted by Mrs. Linda Boadu.

11

The board is expected to deliberate on the necessary steps to address these pressing concerns in the coming months.

12