COVID-19: Shut down Ghana’s Parliament over MPs’ infections – ASEPA

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The Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA) is calling on the Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, to closed down the House after it emerged that two MPs have contracted the coronavirus.

Report also have it that at least 13 supporting staff of the lawmaking chamber have been infected.

In a statement, ASEPA said Parliament must be suspended immediately for two weeks to fumigate the Chamber.

“Today, following a discussion on the floor of Parliament, it seems the reports that made rounds in the media space was very true contrary to the disclaimer issued by Madam Kate Addo of the Public Affairs unit.

“Following this revelation, we are calling for the immediate closure of Parliament for two weeks and a mandatory self quarantine of all Members of Parliament and Parliament Staffs.

“This would make way for the entire Parliament to be fumigated extensively and the Chamber seriously disinfected to make it wholesome and habitable after the two weeks period,” ASEPA said in a statement.

Below is the full statement:

ASEPA CALLS FOR THE IMMEDIATE CLOSURE OF PARLIAMENT FOR TWO WEEKS FOR MPs TO SELF-QUARANTINE

Yesterday there were reports making waves in the media that following the mass testing of MPs and parliamentary Staff, some two Members of Parliament and some Parliamentary Staffs may have tested positive to the deadly COVID-19 disease.

Subsequently, the Public Affairs Directorate of Parliament came out quickly with a statement to deny this information.

Today, following a discussion on the floor of Parliament, it seems the reports that made rounds in the media space was very true contrary to the disclaimer issued by Madam Kate Addo of the Public Affairs unit.

Following this revelation, we are calling for the immediate closure of Parliament for two weeks and a mandatory self quarantine of all Members of Parliament and Parliament Staffs.

This would make way for the entire Parliament to be fumigated extensively and the Chamber seriously disinfected to make it wholesome and habitable after the two weeks period.

As we speak, there are no Emergency Bills before Parliament, all COVID-19 Bills have been duly approved and and so we can afford to suspend Parliament for two weeks without any serious ramifications, all other Parliamentary duties can be performed virtually.

We must do this immediately to prevent cross infections in Parliament and also to prevent onward Community Transmission at the various Constituencies where the MPs visit almost every weekend.

But most importantly to prevent unnecessary financial burden on the State through needless by-elections if any MP loses their life to COVID-19.

Singed:
Mensah Thompson
Executive Director, ASEPA

Source: Daily Mail GH