MP calls for public execution of armed robbers

Nii Ayi Bonte, NPP MP for the Odododiodioo constituency on Friday called for public execution of armed robbers to deter those who trade in the hideous crime.

"Armed Robbers are scared of death. We are witnesses to what happened under the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) era." The Ghana News Agency reports him as saying in an interview that he would vote against any bill that sought to abolish the death penalty "just for the sake of the victims of armed robbery"

"I will vote against it even if it is my party's policy. I think matters of security transcend politics. It is a national issue." He said: "There seem to be a decrease in armed robbery in Accra but the truth of the matter is that they have relocated in the rural areas harassing and killing traders on highways."

The Member said he believed a lot of light arms and foreign fugitives are seeking sanctuary in the country and contributing to the menace. "I am an NPP man but I can not forget how hardened armed robbers like Chokor spanner and Spain, who terrorised people at will were executed in the PNDC days bringing about peace and security in Accra."

He said criminal should not be allowed to use democracy as a weapon to harass innocent people, "democracy is for those who behave like real human beings and would not kill and rob."

The Member's comments come at a time when Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, Attorney General and a well-known campaigner against capital punishment, has reportedly opened debate on the issue.