The recent attack on the Kenyan Parliament has sparked a significant reflection among Ghanaian parliamentarians, notably Thomas Ampem Nyarko, the MP for Asuogyaman Constituency. The politician who has been in office for eight years, shared his concerns about the lack of emergency preparedness within Ghana’s parliamentary system. Speaking about the incident to Nana Yaa Brefo
The post ‘If something like this was to happen in Ghana, what would we do? – Ghanaian MP caught up in Kenyan Parliament attack wonders first appeared on 3News.
The recent attack on the Kenyan Parliament has sparked a significant reflection among Ghanaian parliamentarians, notably Thomas Ampem Nyarko, the MP for Asuogyaman Constituency.
The politician who has been in office for eight years, shared his concerns about the lack of emergency preparedness within Ghana’s parliamentary system.
Speaking about the incident to Nana Yaa Brefo on Onua FM, Nyarko recounted his harrowing experience during the attack, stating that he along with his fellow colleagues and politicians, “were sneaked into a library, then through a tunnel and into a basement, before being evacuated to a holding place. The attack made me reflect on how, in my 8 years in office, I do not know the protocols I need to follow in such situations.”
Nyarko highlighted a critical gap in the safety protocols among Ghanaian parliamentarians where he said in his years in office, he has “never witnessed any fire drills or emergency simulations among Ghanaian parliamentarians. When something like this happens there is panic, and if one does not practice what has to be done, you won’t act properly.”
The MP emphasized the importance of regular emergency drills and simulations to ensure that parliamentarians are well-prepared for any potential crisis. “I think periodically there has to be sessions held to take us through these emergency simulations and drills,” he asserted.
“This is serious. I discussed this with Nii Lantey that if something like this was to happen in Ghana, what would we do? Not that we pray that something like that will happen in Ghana, we will do our best to not anger Ghanaians to a point where Ghanaians would want to attack parliament and parliamentarians,” he said.
Sharing his opinion on the Kenyan protest, Nyarko criticized the Kenyan Parliament for disregarding the wishes of the people by passing a controversial Finance Bill 2024 which introduces new taxes amidst widespread protests.
“If everyone pays critical attention to what has happened, I believe there’s something that can be learnt, especially by decision-makers. The Kenyan Parliament bill has been seriously protested by the people, and when the people decided on the demonstration, that is the day the Kenyan Parliament decided to pass the bill. This means the Kenyan government is not listening or paying attention to the people.”
Five Ghanaian Members of Parliament and the Clerk to the Local Government Committee were caught up in the attack on the Kenyan Parliament by protesters on June 25, 2024.
The said MPs are; Member of Parliament for Odododiodio, Nii Lantey Vanderpuiye, Emmanuel Gyamfi, MP Odotobri, Sylvester Tetteh, MP for Bortianar Ngleshi Amanfro, Thomas Ampem Nyarko, Asuagyaman, Mohammed Hardi Tufeiru-MP for Nanton and Mrs Anita Quartey-Papafio, the Clerk.
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5 Ghanaian MPs caught up in attack on Kenyan parliament
The post ‘If something like this was to happen in Ghana, what would we do? – Ghanaian MP caught up in Kenyan Parliament attack wonders first appeared on 3News.
