Why Speaker Bagbin wants Armed Soldiers

A lot continues to emerge concerning the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin engagements with the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) concerning his security which has become very topical over the past few days.

The latest is the emergence of a letter in the possession of DAYBREAK written on behalf of the Speaker by the Clerk of Parliament Cyril Nsiah on January 18, 2021.

The letter was titled “REQUEST FOR ATTACHMENT OF MILITARY PERSONAL AS SECURITY DETAIL OF THE RIGHT HONOURABLE SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT”, WAS OSTENSIBLE TO BOOST HIS SECURITY”.

The Speaker, who is currently in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) seeking medical review had justified his request to the Chief of Staff, General Headquarters of the Ghana Armed Forces that the unending terrorist attacks in parts of the world and increasing armed robbery cases in Ghana specifically as his reason.

The letter which specifically mentioned some four soldiers whose names have been bundled in the media space following leakage of a letter from the GAF seeking to recall them, also said his request is to enhance his movement to and fro the north.

The letter also used the fact that, the Speaker hails from the northern part of the country and that he will be needing the security officers around him as he visits families, friends, as well as to conduct business in his capacity as the Speaker.

“As pertains in some jurisdictions, the RT Hon. Speaker seeks to add military personnel to his security detail for his protection during road movements across the country.

This is paramount, especially in this day and age of terrorism and violent armed robbery. Moreover, coming from the northern part of the country, he will be undertaking several trips up north to visit family and friends and conduct business for the legislative which will require close protection”, the letter said.

It continued “It is also requested that the personnel are well-kitted and equipped in terms of arms and ammunition to enable them carry out then duties effectively”.

The issue of the Speaker’s security has become topical following leakage of a communication from the Armed Forces to him withdrawing the four officers namely 190195 WOII Jafaru, 196624 S/Sgt Adekurah Andrew, 190083 Sgt Agbley Prosper and 201021 CPL Bonnet Prince.

Contrary to the impression created at certain quarters as though the Speaker was not engaged properly before the withdrawal of the officers, DAYBREAK is learning that the government through the Minister for Defence, Dominic Nitiwul, did the needful by engaging the Speaker about the government decision to recall the officers back.

The Chief of Defence Staff also made a similar move and the Speaker agreed to the decision.

The Speaker on his part asked that the officers should not be victimized or discriminated against which the senior military officer and Minister agreed.

Source: Daybreakgh