Killing of MPs in the name of their job is ‘sad’ to Ghana’s Democracy—Speaker of Parliament
Killing of MPs in the name of their job is ‘sad’ to Ghana’s Democracy—Speaker of Parliament
The Speaker of Parliament Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye has described the incident that led to the demise of the Member of Parliament (MP) of Mfantseman Constituency, Ekow Quansah Hayford as “sad” to the country’s democracy.
According to him, the deceased was an affable character, regular in the house and made useful contributions that helped in decision making.
Prof Oquaye made the statement when he summoned the Minister of Interior, Ambrose Dery, to Parliament on Tuesday, October 13 to brief members on security measures being put in place by his ministry to ensure the safety of legislators.
This follows the murder of the MP which happened on Friday dawn around 1:00am at Nkusukum Mankessim-Abeadze Duadze road in the Central Region.
Reacting to the news of the murder, Prof Oquaye noted that the deceased would be missed, particularly, considering the manner in which he lost his life.
“Now, it looks as if it’s a real danger to say: ‘I’m a Member of Parliament’. So, have Members of Parliament become an endangered species? Personally, it pains me because these are elected persons on whom a very grave responsibility rests.”
“If they don’t release money, if they don’t come to do their job, there will be no money for us to take care of COVID, for example,” he said.
Prof Oquaye expressed pain about the death of the MP and wondered why noble personalities like MPS would be subjected to death in the name of their job.
“It’s very painful, therefore, that the death, apparently, was related to his occupation for now, as a Member of Parliament. What have people here done to deserve this? I think this is a very very important question worthy of being considered by every citizen of this country.
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“If Honourable members are made to feel that this is because of the person’s involvement as a member of this honourable house, it’s a very sad day. Doubly sad for democracy in this country,” he stressed.
The Speaker called on persons and agencies in charge of ensuring the safety of members of the house to live up to the task.
“And, perhaps, all those who are also responsible for looking after the safety of Members of Parliament should also take note of this as well as those who criticise when protection is being demanded and it is noteworthy that the directives I gave as chairman of the board, the response from the police should have coincided with this unfortunate incident,” he said.
In enhancing safety of MPs, Prof Oquaye indicated that Mr Dery would appear before the house on Tuesday to assure the safety of honourable members, particularly with reference to those words which apparently provoked this dastardly act.
“The Honourable Minister is hereby invited to come make explanation, give assurances for the protection of honourable members,” he added.
Source: www.spotonnews.net
