The Minority Caucus in Parliament has condemned the withdrawal of military personnel assigned to Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, describing the decision as politically motivated.
In a statement signed by Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu, the caucus said the government would be held responsible if the Speaker’s security is compromised following the withdrawal of the soldiers.
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The Minority argued that if there were procedural issues regarding the deployment of the military officers, they could have been resolved without removing them from the Speaker’s office.
The controversy follows a letter from the Ghana Armed Forces directing the withdrawal of four soldiers assigned to the Speaker’s office, stating that their attachment had not followed the proper procedure. The officers had been providing security since Bagbin assumed office in January 2021.
The Minority questioned the justification for the withdrawal, noting that the Clerk to Parliament had formally requested the military personnel and that the deployment had been approved at the time.
The caucus also argued that other public officials, including some who rank below the Speaker, have received military protection, making the decision to withdraw Bagbin’s security appear selective.
The Office of the Speaker has also criticised the move, describing it as an attempt to strip the Speaker of protection and warning that it sets a bad precedent.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of National Security has maintained that Speaker Bagbin continues to receive adequate security and that military personnel will be deployed whenever necessary.
