The Member of Parliament (MP) for Akyem Oda in the Eastern Region, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, has challenged President John Dramani Mahama’s assertion that Ghana is safer now than it was in previous years, citing persistent armed robbery incidents, economic hardship and poor road networks.
According to the former Deputy Minister of Health, the prevailing economic difficulties, rising prices of goods and services, unemployment and reported criminal activities have left many Ghanaians struggling to feel secure.
He argued that the government’s assessment of national security should not be based solely on official reports or the presence of security personnel but should also reflect the everyday experiences of ordinary citizens.
Speaking on UTV’s Adekyensroma morning political programme, Mr Acquah questioned the President’s description of Ghana as a safe country, insisting that the economic conditions confronting the population undermine that assertion.
He maintained that the sense of security in a country is closely linked to the well-being of its citizens and their ability to go about their daily activities without fear or excessive financial pressure.
“If you tell them that Ghana is safe, they will challenge you and laugh at you,” he said, referring to people grappling with economic difficulties.
Mr Acquah argued that the rising cost of living and unemployment have placed considerable pressure on households, making it difficult for many citizens to appreciate claims of improved national security.
He stressed that although security assessments may be based on crime statistics and reports from law enforcement agencies, the public’s perception of safety is also influenced by its daily experiences.
According to him, the economic difficulties confronting the country have taken a toll on ordinary people, who continue to struggle with the cost of basic necessities.
The Akyem Oda MP therefore questioned the basis for describing Ghana as safe when many citizens remain concerned about both their economic circumstances and the threat of criminal attacks.
Mr Acquah also cited the poor condition of some roads in the Eastern Region as a factor contributing to security concerns, particularly for motorists and passengers travelling at night.
Using the Accra-Oda road as an example, he said some drivers are reluctant to ply certain sections of the route after dark because of the deplorable state of the road and fears of armed robbery.
He specifically mentioned the stretch between Asamankese and Akroso, claiming that some drivers avoid using the road from about 7:00 p.m. because of the risks they associate with travelling along the route.
The MP further referred to reported robbery incidents along the Akwatia road, arguing that such occurrences raise questions about the effectiveness of security measures intended to protect road users.
“Recently, some robbers attacked innocent people on the Akwatia road, and you say that Ghana is safe,” he said.
He questioned whether reports of such incidents are reaching the President and whether the concerns raised by affected communities are receiving the necessary attention.
Mr Acquah suggested that the President needed to consider the experiences of travellers and residents when assessing the country’s security situation.
He also questioned whether reports of criminal activities are being treated as isolated incidents or whether some concerns are not receiving adequate attention at the highest levels of government.
The former Deputy Health Minister further questioned the reliance on police patrols to protect travellers on highways, arguing that the need for such interventions should not automatically be interpreted as proof that the country is safe.
He acknowledged the importance of security personnel in protecting lives and property but maintained that their presence should not replace broader efforts to address the threats confronting road users.
According to him, the deployment of police personnel to accompany buses and patrol highways highlights the security concerns that travellers continue to face.
He questioned whether the same level of protection could be provided to individuals travelling in private vehicles or to pedestrians who do not have access to organised security arrangements.
Mr Acquah argued that the safety of citizens should be assessed by examining whether they can travel freely and confidently without fearing attacks, rather than by simply pointing to the presence of police officers.
He maintained that security arrangements for commercial buses alone would not be sufficient to guarantee the safety of all road users.
The MP’s comments underscore his broader argument that national security should be measured by the extent to which citizens can conduct their daily activities without fear of crime.
President John Dramani Mahama recently declared that Ghana is safer now than it was in previous years.
He made the remarks during the commissioning of the Christian Tetteh Yohuno Ward Complex at the Ghana Police Hospital in Cantonments, Accra.
The President cited a reduction in highway robberies, including an account from a bus driver who reportedly indicated that buses could travel safely at night, even at 2:00 a.m.
President Mahama also highlighted a decline in unresolved murder cases and commended the work of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), the Police Intelligence Department and the Police Cyber Unit.
His remarks came amid renewed investments in the security sector, including the distribution of 40 armoured vehicles and a reported GH¢1 billion allocation towards upgrading security services.
The newly commissioned 85-bed ward block was named after Inspector-General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno in recognition of his position as head of the Ghana Police Service.
The investments form part of efforts to improve the operational capacity and welfare of security personnel.
However, Mr Acquah’s criticism raises questions about how improvements in policing and crime prevention are experienced by citizens, particularly those who travel along roads where robbery concerns and poor infrastructure remain challenges.
While the President has pointed to improvements in selected crime indicators and investments in security, the Akyem Oda MP insists that the experiences of ordinary Ghanaians must also inform the assessment of whether the country is safe.
His comments highlight the continuing debate over public safety, the effectiveness of security interventions and the need to address the concerns of communities and road users across the country.
By 1960news.com
