Majority justifies withdrawal of Bagbin’s military detail

The Majority caucus in Parliament has said, the public criticisms describing the withdrawal of four soldiers attached to Alban Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, as politically driven motive is unfair. 

In a statement, the Majority said the current Speaker has had more protection than any other Speaker in Ghana’s history.

“He has four police officers in his known residence. He has three police officers in his secretariat, and he has five other policemen in and around the Speaker’s office block any day, any time,” the Majority said in a statement.

“Indeed, none of the previous Speakers had half of the Police cover as has been accorded Rt. Hon. Bagbin. It must be emphasized for the record that Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has been served with the largest number of security personnel for his protection that none of the previous Speakers had,” it added.

The Majority further rubbished claims that the withdrawal of the military personnel was an attempt to gag Mr. Bagbin.

“Speakers are supposed to be neutral umpires or referees in Parliament. They are supposed to listen to Members in silence and not participate in debates. They make rulings when called upon to do so by Members.”

“The rulings must conform to the Rules of Procedure of the House, otherwise referred to as Standing Orders. In that regard, the Speakers lose their persona whilst presiding. Therefore, what voice does the Speaker have that is being muted or gagged?”

“The people of Ghana know better and certainly can make the distinction between truth and sheer propaganda,” their statement concluded.