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Second Deputy Majority Whip in Parliament, Moses Anim, is warning of dire consequences for the state if Parliament is unable to complete its current meeting.
According to him, Members of Parliament from both sides of the House have discussed the need to stop campaigning in the night and the possibility of arranging personal security protection.
He noted that the meeting, which resumed last week Tuesday is becoming very difficult because it is campaign season, and parliamentarians are expected to be in the House to work while also needing to visit their constituencies to campaign.
Mr. Anim gave the warning when he commented on the gruesome murder of the member for Mfantseman Constituency, Ekow Quansah Hayford, last Friday.
He observed that it is campaign time but MPs also have a responsibility to attend Parliament and work.
He warned that if the vote on government accounts is not passed by the House the entire country would collapse next year.
He said, “Government will not have the required resources to run the country for the first quarter next year if Parliament fails to approve its budget.”
“It means it is incumbent on us to, no matter what, to come and work for the state, therefore, the security of every member here is very important.”
Hon. Ekow Hayford was gunned down by robbers Thursday night when he visited some communities in the constituency to campaign after he had filed his nomination forms to contest the 2020 parliamentary elections.
His death has sparked outrage in parliament with members reiterating their calls for MPs to be provided armed police escorts.
The Deputy Majority Whip who is also the MP for Trobu Constituency argued that MPs are not calling for a special dispensation because they acknowledge the protection and security of every Ghanaian is important.
He said, “We are only saying that as MPs we are also vulnerable and targeted as much as ministers of state, District Chief Executives and other political persons.”
According to him, the fact that the MP was shot only after he identified himself as a lawmaker is an indication MPs have become endangered and are being targeted.
The murder of Ekow Hayford brings to two the members of Parliament who have lost their lives in such a ghastly manner.
In February, MP for Abuakwa North, J.B. Danquah-Adu was killed in his home during an alleged burglary. The perpetrators have not been apprehended and brought to justice yet.
The Trobu MP welcomed an assurance from President Akufo-Addo that the security agencies would do everything possible to arrest the perpetrators.
He stressed, however, that MPs would continue to restate their position and demand to be given personal security protection.
Frontpageghana.com
