Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin and several Members of Parliament (MPs) have voiced strong support for reinstating the right to use sirens and motorcades, following the exclusion of the Speaker’s office and the Chief Justice from a new road traffic Legislative Instrument (L.I.).
This exclusion has raised concerns among lawmakers about their status and privileges.
The issue was brought to light during a parliamentary session on Wednesday, where Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, the National Democratic Congress MP for Tamale South, criticized the decision to deny these privileges to high-ranking officials.
“Mr. Speaker, it is incorrect for the number three person in the hierarchy to be denied this privilege,” he stated, referencing both the Speaker and the Chief Justice.
He argued that the nation’s four key leaders—President, Vice President, Speaker, and Chief Justice—should all have equal rights to these benefits.
The debate follows the withdrawal of a previous L.I. that would have allowed MPs similar privileges, which faced backlash from the public.
Mr. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Majority Leader, echoed concerns about the exclusion during the debate.
He emphasized the challenges MPs face in their daily duties, stating, “It is not that a member of Parliament, by virtue of having a siren, will use it every day.”
He criticized the perception of politicians as self-serving and urged his colleagues to take public criticism seriously.
In response, Speaker Bagbin encouraged MPs to be assertive in defending their positions and privileges.
“Leadership matters. You must be prepared to take responsibility and defend your positions,” he said.
He highlighted that the electorate expects their leaders to act in their best interests, reinforcing the notion that the Speaker and Chief Justice should be treated with the same respect as the President and Vice President.
As the debate continues, the Parliament grapples with the implications of these exclusions and their impact on the perception of high-ranking officials.
The discussions reflect broader concerns about the role of lawmakers and the privileges afforded to them in the context of public service and accountability.
