MPs call for greater state protection for legislators

Members of Parliament on Tuesday called on government to, as a matter of urgency, give greater protection to the country’s lawmakers in the discharge of their duties.

The call is as a result of recent violent attacks on some legislators, the most current being the member for Akan constituency, Mr Joseph Kwadwo Ofori, who was assaulted by armed men at his Tema Community 18 residence early this month.

The assailants lacerated the MP’s face and hands after collecting some substantial amount of cash from him.

Deputy Minority Leader, Alfred Kwame Agbesi who made the call insisted that it was time the National Security provided MP’s with adequate security in view of the risk associated with their work.

He suggested that that privilege should be accorded legislative members as soon as practicable,  and that they be assigned with bodyguards.

Some members thought that because of the critical nature of the work of the legislator, they should be accorded the same privileges as ministers and high courts judges, thus state protection should be mandatory for their position.

The House reconvened today for the Firsts Sitting of the third meeting of Parliament after a three-month recess. This business agenda for this meeting is expected to be uptight as the House would consider the President’s economic policy statement and financial proposal for 2014.

Source: GNA