The Member of Parliament (MP) for Kumbungu Constituency, Ras Mubarak says to avoid another gruesome murder like that of the late MP for Mfantseman Constituency, Ekow Hayford, all 275 Parliamentarians must have personal bodyguard(s) who will protect them. According to him, the unfortunate incident was as a result of poor security in the country. In an interview with an Accra-based radio station, he said "My heartfelt condolences go to his family, the NPP family and his constituents; it’s a black Friday for the Parliament of the Republic of Ghana, it’s a Black Friday for all of us. But it is an indictment on us as a country, the lapses in our security”
He added if a Member of Parliament could be killed in such manner, one would expect that more bad people or hoodlums or assassins or robbers would want to exploit the weaknesses to cause more harm. The Kumbungu MP stressed that the unfortunate incident brings to sharp focus the debate about whether or not to give MPs personal bodyguards.
"In my past comments on this particular subject, I have been vehemently opposed to it but I have had a change of mind because of this very tragic circumstance because I would imagine that the circumstances would have been different if there were probably an armed police officer in the vehicle and the need to give MPs enhanced security cannot be overemphasised”, he hinted
He further said “I was very shocked about the murder incident. I thought it was one of those fake news items, so, I had to call a colleague of mine from the other side who confirmed what I was hearing and I’m so saddened that a colleague and a friend would lose his life under these very tragic circumstance”
Ras Mubarak described the slain MP as peaceful and likeable person.
"Ekow was one of those guys who would not even hurt an ant if he can help it; very quiet, very decent, that was his level of decency; he always had a nice word for everyone, very humble gentleman”
In other developments, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), James Oppong-Boanuh says his outfit is willing to give out offering GHS20,000 to anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the murderers of the MP.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith"
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