MPs call for security after murder of J. B Danquah

The murder of the Abuakwa North Member of Parliament has reignited calls for the provision of security protection for the 275 MPs.

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).

They have arrested some five people including his security man to assist in investigations.

The Member of Parliament for Atwima Nwabiagya, in the Ashanti region, Benito Owusu-Bio described the late MP as “a serious person who did not joke with his job” on Adom FM’s morning show, ‘Dwaso Nsem’.

Joseph Boakye was a lovely person who would see everyone and start smiling, according to Benito. He added that the nation has lost a great person.
But the MP said the murder of JB Danquah could have been avoided if he had police protection.

Owusu-Bio stated that it is very important to protect every Ghanaian but MPs are being paid with state funds to serve and it will be better to get protection for them than to lose them this way.

Recounting his experience with armed robbers, the MP said on October 4th 2013, armed men visited his house and asked him to lock himself up in his bathroom. They stole everything they wanted and went away.

But the armed men who visited Kofi (JB) were not that lenient.
Asking policemen to follow MPs will be outrageous, he indicated, but stressed that stationing at least a policeman at the residence of each MP will make them feel secure.

He argues that police officials are given training, they have guns but they are given protection, “how much more MPs who know little about security?”

Speaking on the same platform, the Member of Parliament for Mpraeso, Seth Acheampong who is also a Member of Defense and interior Committee in parliament added his voice to the calls for security for MPs.

He pleaded with the security agencies to ‘wake up’ and deal with robbers and assailants who have in recent times committed a number of these crimes.
Mr. Acheampong said many Ghanaians think that MPs are paid well enough and do not need security protection.

“Security is expensive but it is crucial, very essential. This is a wakeup call to all of us,” he added.

Bia East MP, Richard Aceampong said the extra money spent to conduct by-elections after the nation loses an MP can be used to protect them and prevent such incidents.

He said the leadership of parliament and ministers already have police protection and it will not take much to provide the rest of the members of the house with security.

Richard Aceampong said the job will not be attractive to the young ones in the near future if nothing is done about the situation.

Speaking to Joy News’ Elton John Brobbey in Parliament, Tuesday, some members said they fear other MPs may be targeted.
“We do not feel safe anymore. This is a wakeup call to us all,” one said.