Afenyo-Markin backs Speaker Bagbin's call for security enhanced chamber

Minority Leader in Parliament and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin has backed calls for improvements to Parliament.

Afenyo Markin noted that the current system does not protect Members of Parliament from harm.

The Minority Leader's call follows concerns raised by the Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin over the security architecture of the current Parliament, citing possible attacks by strangers and intruders within the parliamentary enclave.

While speaking at the inauguration of the Parliamentary Service Board for the Ninth Parliament on Monday, March 17, Speaker Bagbin highlighted the urgent need for an environment with enhanced security.

“One of the challenges that need to be addressed is to secure the Parliamentary enclave to ensure the safety of members and staff. This has been a worrying matter for Parliament for some time now, we are actually insecure here,” he stated.

Bagbin painted a troubling picture of the situation, revealing that unauthorized individuals have been able to infiltrate the premises and launch attacks.

“We are not safe. Sometimes people can come in and attack us or staff, and anytime there is an attempt to apprehend them, they scale over the wall and escape into the forest,” he lamented. “This is vital for the functioning of Parliament. I believe the ninth board will work assiduously to make this a reality.”

In line with these concerns, Afenyo Markin suggested the construction of a new Parliamentary chamber equipped with enhanced security.

According to him, the structural architecture of the current chamber cannot provide the needed security as strangers in the public gallery can just walk to the MPs.

“Mr. Speaker, you have also talked about security. Indeed, when I visited the British Parliament, I observed that even within the chamber, there is enhanced security.

“Here, in the public gallery, anyone at all can throw anything at a Member of Parliament, and there is no adequate security.

“Mister Speaker, I am therefore looking forward to enhanced security in the chamber. And at least, to move away from this old infrastructure—though it is fit for purpose—we can begin a conversation about a new chamber befitting of the legislative arm of government,” he proposed.

Hospital for MPs
Afenyo Markin observed that Parliament lacks a dedicated hospital, which compromises the welfare and confidentiality of members.

He stressed the need for a facility that ensures privacy and accessibility of the political class.

Afenyo-Markin noted that the absence of such a facility places a financial burden on members who have to travel abroad for medical treatment.

“There are two things that I look forward to seeing happen in the Ninth Parliament. One, a hospital for Parliament. If it happens in accordance with your vision, it will be great. We are a political class.

“Our health issues are to be known within certain confines because of confidentiality, and yet people travel abroad at great costs for medical support. I believe if we are able to address this, it will help,” he stated.