A heated debate has erupted between Ghana’s Parliamentary leaders over proposals for a new chamber and an exclusive hospital for MPs. Apexnewsgh reports
At the heart of the disagreement are Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who hold vastly different views on Parliament’s priorities.
The controversy began when Afenyo-Markin suggested building a dedicated hospital for Parliament, citing concerns over MPs’ health and well-being. However, Ayariga swiftly rejected the idea, arguing that Parliament already has access to excellent healthcare facilities like Ridge Hospital and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. “I don’t believe a hospital should be the priority of this Parliament,” Ayariga emphasized.
The second point of contention revolves around the construction of a new parliamentary chamber. Afenyo-Markin pushed for a more secure and spacious facility, highlighting the real security threats MPs face in the current chamber. “Here in the public gallery, anybody at all can throw a thing at an MP,” he warned. Ayariga, however, disagreed, describing the current chamber as “fit for purpose” and arguing that security concerns alone don’t justify building a new facility.
Despite their differences, both leaders acknowledge that Parliament’s security is a pressing concern. Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, who chairs the Parliamentary Service Board, echoed Afenyo-Markin’s concerns, emphasizing that securing the Parliamentary enclave is a top priority. “We are insecure here; we are not safe,” Bagbin warned.
As the debate rages on, it remains to be seen how Parliament will address its infrastructural needs and prioritize the welfare of its members and staff.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
