News:
March 18, 2025
Minority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin is advocating for re-introduction of a conversation for a new chamber befitting the legislative arm of government, though the current structure is still fit for purpose.
Speaking at the inauguration of the ninth Parliamentary Service Board on Monday, March 17, 2025, he stated that the Speaker Rt. Hon Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, spoke about security in Parliament, and recounted his visit to the British Parliament House of Commons where even within the chamber there was enhanced security.
“Here in the public gallery anybody at all can throw anything at a Member of Parliament and there is no security; I am therefore looking forward to enhance security in the chamber.”
The Effutu Member of Parliament further added that MPs in the ninth Parliament have some concerns which have to do with their welfare, and he believes that they would put in place the necessary support systems for MPs to function effectively; same with the staff who provide them support should be well equipped, adding that when this comes before the board, the board would be able to deal with it.
“Two things I’m looking forward to happen in the ninth Parliament; hospital for parliament. If it does happen in accordance with the Speaker’s vision it would be a great milestone.
In addition, he noted that they are a political class, and their health issues are to be known within certain confines because of confidentiality and all that, noting that people travel abroad at great costs for medical support. As such it would help if they are able to deal with it.
He also asserts that Parliament has seen great transformation since the Rt. Hon Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin assumed the chair as Speaker in the eighth Parliament and now Parliament is closer to the people than it was before.
It’s therefore our turn to support Speaker to do more and he should be rest assured that we are committed in this direction, he concluded.
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com