News:
February 9, 2021
The surge in COVID-19 positive cases recorded in Ghana’s Parliament forced the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin in consultation with Leadership of the House on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 to suspend sittings of the plenary for three weeks.
According to him the House would resume on March 2, 2021, as members of staff infected in the last count has jumped from fifty-six (56) to one hundred and fifty-one (151), and Members of Parliament from fifteen (15) to seventeen (17).
Members of Parliament expressed shock on the floor of the House when the Speaker presented his formal communication to the plenary, with some shouting “eiii” and disappointment written all over the faces of some MPs and the journalists covering the House.
Mr. Speaker was quick to point out that, the Appointment Committee of the House can start its public hearing to vet Ministers designate and submit their report to the House for consideration after the three weeks suspended sittings.
“Only the clerk to the Committee, other supporting staff who would be engaged in the task of the consideration of the nominees for Ministerial appointment should be allowed to work, and during the period MPs and staffs are to comply strictly with the COVID-19 protocols and regulations”, the Speaker directed.
He further directed that MPs and members of staff should re-submit themselves to parliament’s medical center for re-testing after two weeks from Tuesday, February 10, 2021 to know their status before the House resumes from its break.
“Meanwhile, Parliament would continue with its weekly disinfection and sanitization of the presence of parliament, the House accordingly adjourn till Tuesdays, March 2, 2021”.
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com