The Caucus argued that the structure of Regional and District Security Councils, chaired by Regional Ministers and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), poses risks during politically sensitive periods.

“During sensitive periods, especially elections, such structures can be misused to suppress lawful political activity,” the Caucus cautioned, noting the absence of cross-party representation requirements.

The Minority further criticised what it described as insufficient human rights safeguards in the Bill. It said broad phrases, such as protecting against activities intended to undermine the constitutional order, could be interpreted to target legitimate opposition, protests or civic activism.

“Although political neutrality is mentioned, there are no enforcement mechanisms or clear sanctions for breaches,” it added.

On financial accountability, the Minority noted that while Parliament approves funding for intelligence agencies and the Auditor-General of Ghana audits their accounts, the Bill does not require detailed budget breakdowns or structured reporting to enable effective scrutiny.

It also highlighted the absence of obligations to publish non-sensitive audit findings or provide structured briefings to relevant parliamentary committees.

“Ghana needs a security framework that is strong and professional, but also accountable and firmly anchored in the Constitution,” the Minority concluded. “Parliament must get this balance right.”

READ ALSO:

• New cocoa producer price takes effect Friday
• Zuckerberg defends Meta in landmark social media addiction trial
• Lordina Mahama condemns Mamprobi Polyclinic baby theft, commends swift recovery
• Gold Board is good, but Ghana must prepare for the fall – Prof Peprah

Speaking on The Sages on JoyNews, Prof. Adu-Gyamfi lamented that despite decades of training skilled professionals, the country still relies heavily on foreign contractors, sidelining competent Ghanaians.

“So in that regard, we haven’t done too well. We tend to waste human resources. At Independence, we had less than a thousand doctors. But beyond that, how many engineers or top-tier teachers did we have? We weren’t thinking beyond the civil service as the only employer, and we were quick to push people out through the pension system,” he said.

He criticised the current retirement policy, arguing that it forces capable professionals out of service when they could still contribute meaningfully to national development.

“Take a civil engineer or an architect—these are professions where experience improves performance. Yet at 60, we tell them to go. I don’t mind retirement per se, but the system should be structured to retain their services in a different capacity so they can continue delivering.”

Prof. Adu-Gyamfi also expressed frustration over Ghana’s reliance on foreign contractors for major infrastructure projects.

“Up till now, we still bring in foreign companies to build our roads and coastal defences, despite having institutions like KNUST and Legon for decades. Our coastline is eroding, and we still look outside for help.”

Citing an example from his experience abroad, he said: “Look at Amsterdam—it’s below sea level and was reclaimed 300–400 years ago. At that time, they didn’t have today’s technology, yet they found a way. Meanwhile, with all the granite and resources we have here, our engineers aren’t being empowered to do the same.”

He believes the solution lies in leadership reform and a shift in how institutional knowledge is valued.

“It’s all about leadership and management. When experienced professionals retire, we discard them along with their accumulated knowledge. That’s a huge loss. We should re-engineer the system to retain and harness their expertise.”

He also condemned the politicisation of public service, saying political bias often leads to capable individuals being removed from key positions.

“This over-politicisation is damaging. If you’re from a different political party, even if you’re competent, you’re removed. That’s wrong. People with valuable ideas and vision should be allowed to stay and contribute.”

Prof. Adu-Gyamfi concluded by calling for urgent reforms to Ghana’s leadership structure, institutional systems, and political culture to fully tap into the country’s human resource potential.

ALSO READ:

• No one should be deemed guilty until proven – Srem Sai on Adu Boahene’s…

• Many former gov’t officials quietly facing legal scrutiny – Srem Sai

Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show, Baffour called for greater cooperation among politicians, both inside and outside Parliament, stressing the need to work together for the country’s progress.

“We are all very cordial outside the chamber, and I believe we should extend that cordiality inside the chamber as well,” he said.

“We don’t have to show off because my problem with Ghana is that we are not a developed country, we are a developing country. So we’ve got to work together; we can’t demonise or fight each other.”

He also criticised the growing political interference in institutions that require neutrality and professionalism, arguing that it hinders effective decision-making.

“I hate the politicisation of Ghana,” he said. “I don’t believe that politics should cloud certain institutions because you need a clear mind in order to do things. And with politics, when you hold a political position, it can be stubborn, and that is the problem.”

Baffour warned that without collaboration, the country’s progress would be stalled.

“Naturally, we have our different positions, but we must start showing the people out there that we are working together. If we don’t, this country is not going to be saved,” he added.

He further criticised what he described as the mismanagement of Ghana’s resources, including its human capital, stating that economic struggles are largely due to poor handling of natural resources, contracts, and a failure to fully utilise the potential of its people.

“I just believe the reality that this country is such a wonderful country, this country is a very wealthy country, and the reason why we are in such a horrible state is because we have mismanaged our resources, including our human resource base.

“The way we have handled our contracts, the way we look at our resources, the way we view our human resource base—the fact that we don’t hold them in high esteem, we don’t have the right policies to help them work for Ghana,” he stated.

ALSO READ:

• Politicisation of Council of State elections worrying – Benjamin Quashie

• GRA boss cries over politicisation of tax issues