News:
May 20, 2020
Speaker of Parliament Professor Aaron Michael Oquaye has urged Members of Parliament (MPs) to cooperate with him as the House takes measures to test lawmakers against the spread of COVID-19.
He further added that members of staff would also be tested for virus and assured that all the necessary protocols would be adhered to by the House when he welcome lawmakers back for the second start of the second meeting.
Supporting the Speaker, Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu emphasised the need to observe social distance and observe the needed protocols.
Again, “we are concerned of the growing numbers, we need to know if we are at the peak and we would not trade the health of our citizens; we should have discussions on post COVID-19”.
The Majority Leader urged his colleagues in the Minority to try and observe social distance and he did not see that with the Minority front beach when he gave his welcome remarks.
Mr. Ras Mubarak on his part appealed to the Majority Leader Osei-Kyei to consider a virtual parliament as the House is talking about physical distance and in view of the impending mid-year review of the budget.
“We should have a situation where MPs can contribute to debate from their offices, we do not want to see the chamber being full when it comes to presentation of midyear review we have the chamber being full”.
Professor Oquaye noted that the idea was good but members should bear in mind that the House per its standing order needs to form a quorum and there are MPs who would raise the issue of quorum.
Mr. Joseph Osei-Owusu first Deputy Speaker of the House before adjourning the House announced to the House that testing begins today Wednesday.
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com