The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sulmana Kingsford Bagbin, has instructed Members of Parliament to immediately cease using unauthorized police escorts and sirens.
Speaking during parliamentary proceedings.The Speaker stressed the practice of MPs employing police officers without proper approval and the indiscriminate use of sirens weakens both public order and the legislature. Bagbin noted that such actions creates unnecessary tension on the roads and contributes to public resentment towards lawmakers.
Bagbin, cautions MPs that the use of police escorts strictly regulated and must be approved through official channels. He cautioned that any MP found disobeying this rules would face disciplinary repercussions. He stressed that Lawmakers must lead by example in obeying the laws of the country.
The directive comes amid growing public concerns about the misuse of sirens and convoys by public officials which many citizens view as disturbance and elitist. Bagbin’s intervention is seen as part of broader efforts to restore public trust in Parliament and ensure lawmakers comply with the same standards expected of ordinary citizens.
This move is expected to spark debate among MPs, some of whom argue that escorts are necessary for their safety, while others believe the practice is excessive and alienates them from the people they represent.
Godsway Kanku