Dafeamekpor Slams IGP Over Directive For Bodyguards Of MPs To Surrender Weapons

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has criticized a directive by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to have all police bodyguards of MPs surrender their weapons to the nearest police station in Assin North ahead of the by-election.

The IGP, George Akuffo Dampare, said the directive was one sure way of ensuring a peaceful election on Tuesday, June 27. However, speaking to journalists in Assin North, Dafeamekpor said the IGP had no right to give such a directive, as it was unconstitutional.

Bodyguards attached to MPs are part of their conditions of service. The IGP has no power to vary the conditions of service of a sitting MP in the same way he has no power to vary the conditions of service of a superior court judge in this republic.

So for him to issue a statement and say that Police bodyguards of MPs should surrender their weapons to the nearest Police Station is unlawful and unconstitutional, he stated. Dafeamekpor said the directive was an attempt to intimidate and harass MPs, and he called on the IGP to withdraw it immediately.

The directive by the IGP has been met with mixed reactions. Some people have argued that it is a necessary measure to ensure a peaceful election, while others have criticized it as being unconstitutional.