The Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle, Dr. Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings, has emphasized the need for robust, fair, and future-proof laws to guide parliamentary oversight of Ghana’s security and intelligence agencies.
Dr. Agyemang-Rawlings made the call after serving as a resource person at a workshop on Parliamentary Oversight of Security and Intelligence, organized by the National Security Council Secretariat.
According to her, discussions at the workshop highlighted the critical role of Parliament in strengthening national security while deepening democratic legitimacy and building public trust.
She stressed that laws governing the security sector must be durable and principled, noting that such legislation should stand the test of time, align with international best practices, and apply fairly to both government and opposition actors.
“Our law must protect the rights of citizens and include safeguards that make it difficult for individuals in positions of authority to abuse power, regardless of their personality or political affiliation,” she stated.
Dr. Agyemang-Rawlings also underscored the importance of clearly defining the lawful and effective role of intelligence agencies within Ghana’s national security architecture.
She noted that while accountability is essential, it must not undermine the operational effectiveness of security institutions.
She emphasized that a balanced oversight framework, one that promotes transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights remains vital to safeguarding Ghana’s democracy and national security.
