The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has strongly opposed the proposed Security and Intelligence Agencies Bill, 2025, arguing that it risks concentrating too much authority in the office of the National Security Coordinator.
Contributing to debate in Parliament, he questioned the justification for the reforms, saying the memorandum accompanying the Bill fails to show that the existing law, Act 1030, has failed.
“The memorandum before us does not provide any empirical evidence to suggest that ACT 1030 has failed. It appears that this bill is more founded on partisan political interest than a national security interest for good governance,” he said.
Afenyo-Markin also expressed concern about the scope of powers being assigned to the coordinator.
“So much power is being given to the coordinator, it is not clear how his powers are going to be fettered,” he stated.
He cautioned that without clear accountability and oversight mechanisms, the reforms could pose risks to civil liberties.
“If you give such powers to the coordinator, and you do not provide for a clear path of responsibility, accountability and oversight, it becomes problematic,” he argued.
He called for further engagement between the Minister and Parliament to address the Minority’s concerns before the Bill proceeds.
