A group identifying itself as Crossfire Ghana has called on the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, to in his capacity as the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) intervene in the withdrawal of Speaker, Alban Kingsford Bagbin’s security.
According to the group, the call on the President has become necessary in order to prevent the unexpected from happening security-wise due to the withdrawal.
“Now obviously their withdrawal has created a security vacuum and we wish to call on the President who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Force to step in as early as possible to avert any security threat to the Speaker of Parliament.”
Crossfire Ghana
In a statement signed by Convener Nana Osei Tutu, the group expressed worry at the timing of the withdrawal of the military officers for the Office of the Speaker as a result of recent happenings in Parliament.
Group expresses surprise
Crossfire Ghana further indicated that it is surprised at the reasons given by the Ghana Armed Forces for the withdrawal of the security personnel for the Speaker’s Office.
“We all know the current state of affairs of our Parliament and the vociferous nature of the current Speaker especially in fighting to make Parliament truly independent against the best expectations of the Executive.”
Crossfire Ghana
Crossfire Ghana questioned the GAF that if indeed the reason behind the action as stipulated is to regularize the attachment, “should the men be withdrawn at the peril of the security of the Speaker before the said regularization can be carried out?”
It stated that as a result of the high regard for democracy in the country, no arm of government should be handled in any way that jeopardizes these key national concerns.
“It is in this respect we condemn the withdrawal of the Speaker’s armed forces security in no uncertain terms especially because it is likely to put the security of the Speaker at risk. As we all know the security personnel were sent there based on professional and security advice.”
Crossfire Ghana
Get private security
Commenting on the issue, a Security Expert, Mr Richard Kumadoe, urged the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, to get another means of security following the removal of the military detachment to his office.
Reacting to concerns that the Mr Bagbin may have been exposed to threats following the withdrawal of the officers, Mr. Kumadoe averred that “nothing stops him from getting a private security firm to provide the security.”
His comments follow the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) explanation that the four soldiers who have been withdrawn from Alban Bagbin were attached to the office without proper procedure.
According to a statement signed by the Chief of Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces, Nicholas Peter Andoh, this resulted in the decision to withdraw them while efforts are made to regularize their attachment.
“The under-named military personnel were attached to the Office of the Rt Honourable Speaker of Parliament without the proper procedure.”
GAF
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