Assin North: Dafeamekpor slams IGP over directive for bodyguards of MPs to surrender weapons

Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, a Member of Parliament (MP) for South Dayi under the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has voiced his disapproval of the Inspector General of Police (IGP)’s recent directive regarding police bodyguards of MPs in Assin North.

In preparation for the upcoming by-election on June 27, the IGP, George Akuffo Dampare, ordered that all police bodyguards surrender their weapons to the nearest police station to promote a peaceful electoral process.

However, during an interaction with journalists in Assin North, Dafeamekpor criticized the IGP’s directive, arguing that it was unconstitutional and beyond the IGP’s authority. He asserted that the bodyguards assigned to MPs were an integral part of their conditions of service and emphasized that the IGP lacked the power to alter these conditions, just as he could not modify the terms of service for a superior court judge.

Dafeamekpor emphasized that the IGP’s statement, requiring police bodyguards to relinquish their weapons, was both illegal and unconstitutional.

Dafeamekpor further accused the IGP of attempting to intimidate and harass MPs through this directive. He called for an immediate withdrawal of the directive, asserting that it infringed upon the rights of MPs and undermined their security.

The IGP’s directive has elicited mixed reactions from the public. Some individuals argue that it is a necessary measure to ensure a peaceful and fair election, while others criticize it as a violation of the constitution and an encroachment on the rights of MPs.

The controversy surrounding the directive highlights the delicate balance between maintaining security and upholding constitutional rights in electoral processes.

Source – citinewsroom.com