Bagbin raises alarm over security threats in Parliament

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has raised concerns about the safety of lawmakers and Parliamentary Service members due to increasing attacks by strangers within the precincts of the House.

During the inauguration of the Parliamentary Service Board for the ninth Parliament, Bagbin instructed the Majority Leader to prioritize Parliament’s security.

The Speaker’s remarks highlight the urgent need for enhanced security measures to protect lawmakers and staff. Concerns have grown over recent incidents where unauthorized individuals have gained access to Parliament’s premises, raising fears about potential threats.

“…there remain certain challenges that need to be addressed. One of these challenges is to secure the enclave to ensure the safety and security of members and staff. It’s been a very worrying matter for parliament for some time now. We are actually very insecure now here; we are not safe. And sometimes people can just jump in and attack members and staff, and anytime there is an attempt to apprehend them, they scale over the wall and you can’t get them because the forest is just close by,” the Speaker disclosed.

Security experts have urged authorities to fortify the parliamentary enclave, including installing surveillance systems and reinforcing entry points to prevent further breaches.

Bagbin also took a moment to express his deep appreciation to the outgoing Board members for their contributions, saying, “We have no doubt that their successors will hold on to the legacy and bring fresh perspectives to the Board.”

Addressing the newly constituted Board, he remarked, “I am confident in your ability and have no doubt in my mind that you’ll rise to the occasion.”

Pursuant to the Constitution and acting on the advice of a committee of Parliament, the ninth Parliamentary Service Board has been constituted by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin with key parliamentary leaders and experienced former lawmakers.

The Board includes Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who are expected to bring their legislative expertise to the administration of parliamentary affairs.

Also appointed to the Board are former Member of Parliament for Afadjato South, Angela Alorwu-Tay, and former Member of Parliament for New Juaben South, Dr. Mark Assibey-Yeboah.

The Speaker serves as the Chairman of the Board, with the Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror as an automatic member. Additionally, the First and Second Deputy Speakers of Parliament, Bernard Ahiafor and Andrew Asiamah, have been co-opted onto the new board.