Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye
The Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, has directed for flags to fly at half-mast and red bands hoisted within the precincts of Parliament as Members of Parliament (MPs) poured out tributes and heartfelt messages for the slain lawmaker, Ekow Quansah Hayford, while reflecting on the shocking death of the Mfantseman MP.
Ekow Quansah Hayford, who represents the New Patriotic Party (NPP), was shot dead in his constituency yesterday by some suspected armed robbers while he was returning home from a campaign trail.
Yesterday, MPs packed into the Chamber for emotional tributes and with a commiserating message from President Akufo-Addo, Speaker Oquaye said MPs were becoming “endangered species”.
Prof. Oquaye said the Mfantseman MP was an “important person” whose contributions to Parliament were enormous.
“The late Hon. Ekow Quansah Hayford was regularly in the House, made useful contributions, and I am so amazed, particularly considering the manner in which he lost his life,” he said.
“This Honourable House extends its condolences to the entire family, wife and children and the larger Ghanaian populace, his constituents and MPs,” the Speaker said and added: “we all know from our Bible at one time Paul simply told a hardened Roman soldier that I am a Roman citizen (Ghanaian citizen) and that soldier released him.”
“Now, it is a real danger to say I am a Member of Parliament and so MPs are becoming endangered species. Personally, it pains me because these are elected persons on whom a very grave responsibility rests.
“If we don’t release money; if they don’t come to do their job, there will be no money for us to take care of the country, for instance. It is very painful, therefore, that the death apparently is related to his occupation as a Member of Parliament,” he added.
“What have our people done to deserve this? At least, he was a very, very important person worthy of being considered by every citizen of this country. If Honourable members are made to feel that this happened because of the person’s involvement as a member of this House, it is a very sad day, doubly sad for democracy in this country,” Prof. Oquaye stated.
He called those responsible for the safety of MPs to take note of the fatal incident and others that happened previously before this one, adding “as well as sometimes those who criticize when protection of MPs is being demanded.”
Interior Minister summon
The Speaker requested the Minister of the Interior to appear in the House on Tuesday “to assure the safety of Hon members, particularly with reference to those perpetrating the dastardly act.”
“The minister is hereby invited to come and make an explanation and give assurances for the protection of members so that MPs may advise themselves as they deem fit in all circumstances,” he added.
By Ernest Kofi Adu, Parliament House