A proposal by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin for the government to construct a new parliamentary chamber and a hospital that will cater to the medical needs of parliamentarians has been opposed by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga.
This came up at the inauguration of the board of the ninth parliament.
Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin proposed that the Board consider constructing a new parliamentary chamber to address both security and space challenges faced by MPs.
“There are real concerns about MPs’ security. In the current public gallery, anyone could throw something at an MP. It’s time we have a conversation about a new chamber that befits Parliament and addresses security,” Afenyo-Markin said.
He also called for the construction of a dedicated hospital for Parliament, positing that MPs’ welfare should be prioritised as part of enhancing the institution’s capacity.
But Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga strongly disagreed with both proposals, arguing that constructing a new chamber and a parliamentary hospital should not be Parliament’s priority at the moment.
“I disagree that we should construct a new chamber for Parliament,” Ayariga said bluntly.
“I also don’t believe a hospital should be a priority for Parliament. Ridge Hospital and Korle Bu are adequate and available.”
Meanwhile, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has admonished the Majority Leader to prioritise efforts to enhance security measures within the precincts of the House.
He claimed that intruders had previously entered Parliament’s premises and attacked members and staff, often escaping by scaling the perimeter wall into the surrounding forest.
“One of the challenges that need to be addressed is to secure the parliamentary enclave to ensure the safety of members and staff. This has been a worrying matter for parliament for some time now, we are actually insecure here.
“We are not safe. Sometimes people can come in and attack us or staff and anytime there is an attempt to apprehend them, they scale over the wall and escape into the forest. This is vital for the functioning of parliament. I believe the ninth board will work assiduously to make this a reality.
“I will call on the leaders of the house to follow up on this matter,” he added.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
