MPs need some form of protection – Baako

Editor-in-chief of the New Crusading Guide Newspaper, Kweku Baako has waded into the call for Members of Parliament to be provided with police protection.

In the veteran journalist’s view, the MPs need to be provided with “some form of protection.”

MPs have heightened their call for police protection following the murder of the New Patriotic Party’s MP for Abuakwa North in the Eastern Region.

Joseph Boakye Danquah-Adu was stabbed by unknown assailant(s) in his home near Ange Hill Hotel, East Legon in Accra, Tuesday morning.

Preliminary investigations by police show that the deceased suffered multiple stab wounds inflicted by his attacker(s).

MP for Atwima Nwabiaga in the Ashanti Region who joined others to condemn the murder said although it was necessary to protect every Ghanaian, the legislators are paid with state funds and it will be better to get police protection for them rather than to lose them in such a manner.

He recounted similar experience with armed robbers in 2013 where his attackers took away everything from his house while he was locked up in his bathroom on the instruction of the robbers.

Some MPs told Joy News’ parliamentary correspondent Elton Brobbey in Parliament that something must be done about the situation since they no longer feel safe.

Speaking on Peace FM’s morning show ‘Kokrokoo’ on Wednesday, Kweku Baako supported the call.

He indicated that although the public might find the expenditure unrealistic due to the number of MPs, - 75 MPs - the issue cannot be left unaddressed.

“The general public might not be in favour…no MP will win if it is put in the public domain for debate,” he said adding however that regardless of the public’s position, a dispassionate discussion must be had on the issue.

“We didn’t have to wait to witness the gruesome murder of a member of the house for us to consider the kind of protection we give MPs.

“Life is priceless so let’s do a dispassionate discussion on this matter, looking at all the merits and demerits will help us come to a better conclusion.”

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Naa Sakwaba Akwa | [email protected]