MP: National Security has lost focus
The Member of Parliament for Kade in the Eastern Region, Ofosu Asamoah, has stated that the country's National Security outfit has lost focus and direction in carrying out its core functions.
This, he said, poses a threat to securing and protecting the populace against any internal and external aggression.
Speaking exclusively to The Statesman, the Kade MP pointed out that the National Security outfit was set up to coordinate the activities of the various security agencies namely, the Army, the Police, the Navy and the Customs Excise and Preventive Service among others, and to harmonise them to provide total security for the state.
According to him, the national security remains a central agency with a special section which also deals with the security of the Presidency.
He wondered why the National Security Coordinator has departed from the norm and ethics of his job by speaking to the media all the time noting, "he should be the last person to speak to the media especially on the airwaves and in most cases his picture ought not to be published in the newspapers to avoid being identified as he undertakes his job under cover.'
Mr Asamoah lamented, "But of late what do we hear? For the past few weeks what we hear is the National Security going to seize cars, inspect the former President Kufuor"s office, seriously you see they have lost focus.'
The MP, also a former Deputy Eastern Regional Minister, maintained that the national security body has on several occasions performed functions outside its purview particularly the seizure of vehicles which he insisted was supposed to be done by the State Protocol Department if the need arises.
He cited armed robbery, ritual murders, chieftaincy disputes etc as some of the crime concerns which should rather engage the attention of the national security instead of embarrassing former President Kufuor.
On the controversial office for former President Kufuor, the MP for Kade disagreed with those who have advised the former first gentleman to reject any subsequent offer by the ruling National Democratic Congress government saying, 'He needs an office, why should he reject the office facility just because some foolish people are talking.'
He was of the view that the way and manner the Mills government has so far treated former President Kufuor constitutes not only an embarrassment to the former leader but also to the nation because 'of his contribution to the nation and his international reputation which spans across West Africa, Africa and the rest of the world.'
He cited the recent international appointments the former President has so far received to buttress his point that he is well respected around the globe.
He added, 'I think gradually we are heading towards danger as a country if we are not careful.'
Admonishing, the MP said President Mills should be up and doing as he laid claim to the undisputable fact that he is the only President of Ghana.
Mr Asamoah congratulated former President Kufuor for keeping his usual cool, calm, and tolerating the embarrassment meted out to him by the present government in the less than hundred days it has been in office.