President John Mahama has directed that all intelligence agencies be supervised by the Ministry of Interior “with immediate effect” ahead of the November 7 polls.

This was contained in a paper read in the house of parliament by the Speaker Edward Doe Adjaho.

The communication read “In accordance with section 17 of the security and intelligence agencies act 1996 I hereby assign ministerial responsibilities for the intelligence agencies to the minister of interior with immediate effect”.

This directive by the president will give an opportunity to the legislature to interrogate the Minister of Interior regarding any of these intelligence agencies.

But Member of Parliament for Sunyani East, Kwasi Ameyaw Cheremeh speaking on the floor of parliament asked that a better explanation is given on this directive to prevent any form of confusion.

He said “previously they all had where they were reporting to different ministries but now they all have to report to the Interior Ministry. This will create some confusion”.

He also questioned the motive behind the directive arguing that the closeness of the November 7 election raises eyebrows. “I hope it is not because of the upcoming elections that these changes have been made” he said.

He added that “If it’s for the good of the country then I believe it is a good idea. But if it is for some connivance and other malpractices during the election I don’t think it’s the best”.