The Director for Media Relations in Parliament, Mr. David Damoah has spoken out following an incident in which two men gained unauthorized access to Parliament House and vandalized vehicle windshields.
Mr. Damoah reassured the public that Parliament’s security measures have been significantly tightened to prevent such occurrences. He emphasized that access to the premises is now strictly by appointment, with visitors required to provide evidence of their purpose before entry is granted.
“Currently, our security screening process is very thorough,” Mr. Damoah stated. He highlighted that the quick response of the security team prevented any escalation of the incident. “Thankfully, no one was hurt. But imagine if one of the men had been armed. The situation could have been far worse. By the time anyone realized, lives might have been lost before he could be apprehended,” he added.
Mr. Damoah urged the public to cooperate with Parliament’s enhanced security protocols and reassured Ghanaians of their commitment to ensuring the safety of all individuals within the premises.
Authorities are investigating the incident to determine how the perpetrators managed to gain entry and to prevent future occurrences.
Renowned security consultant, Mr. Richard Komadoe has called for enhanced security measures across Ghana, particularly in light of the recent vandalism incident at Parliament House. Speaking on the matter, Mr. Komadoe stressed the need for heightened vigilance as the country approaches the critical period surrounding the 2024 elections.
He pointed out that past election-related disputes, some of which have ended up in court, underscore the urgency for a robust security posture. “As we inch closer to election day and even in the days following, the potential for security breaches becomes more pronounced. It is essential for everyone, especially those in high-profile positions like Members of Parliament, to take their personal security seriously,” Mr. Komadoe stated.
He added that the recent breach at Parliament should serve as a wake-up call. “The incident is a glaring reminder that security at critical institutions needs to be fortified. Ghana, in general, lags behind when it comes to proactive security measures, and this needs to change. Parliament, as one of our highest institutions, must lead the way in demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive security strategies,” he emphasized.
Mr. Komadoe urged all stakeholders, including security agencies and public officials, to prioritize the safety of individuals and institutions. “Personal and institutional security is not just a luxury; it is a necessity. This is the time to act decisively to ensure such incidents do not recur,” he concluded.
The call comes as authorities continue to investigate the Parliament House incident and work toward bolstering security measures nationwide.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson
