Political Scientist, Dr. John Osae-Kwapong, says government's decision to provide personal protection for MPs is in the right direction.

This according to him is because the constitution makes provision for the protection and safety of all Parliamentarians.

Dr. John Osae-Kwapong said the move is a solution to the constitutional provision that entitles the Legislative arm of government access to personal security, as already enjoyed by both the Executive and the Judiciary.

“I think it is only fair that the imbalance is corrected. If Members of Parliament do not feel safe in the conduct of their duties, realizing that their colleagues in other co-equal branches of government do get constitutional protections, then there is some merit to their demand for protection whether in the House or outside of Parliament” he noted.

His comment comes after 800 personal bodyguards were deployed to Members of Parliament following the murder of the MP for Mfantseman, Ekow Quansah Hayford.

This move has been met with mixed reaction with a large section of the public kicking against it.

However, speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile Saturday, Dr. Osae-Kwapong opined that the public backlash comes on the back of beliefs that the move amounts to extravagance.

He said it is only fair that MPs are given their demand if their colleagues in other arms such as Ministers and staff of the Judiciary are provided with security.

According to him, the dichotomy between reasons for the MPs demands and the concerns of the general public stems from the public’s perception that Parliamentarians are already well taken care of.

Dr. Osae-Kwapong said studies have revealed that sentiments in terms of trust and approval for the performance of Parliament well explain the tension that results from government’s decision.

"Report from the Afrobarometer survey when you test the pulse of citizens is a reflection of the public perception of Parliament" he noted.