The MP for Sekondi says the Minority’s call for Parliament to be suspended is aimed at preventing the maturity of EC’s Constitutional Instrument for the compilation of a new voters register.
Andrew Kofi Egyapa Mercer said the NDC MPs’ proposal is politically motivated and must not be taken serious.
He told Daniel Dadzie on Prime Morning on Joy Prime channel, Thursday that adequate safety measures have been instituted to prevent the spread of the virus in the House so there is no need to close Parliament's business.
His comment follows NDC MP's call for the closure of Parliament following reports that two legislators and 13 staff have tested positive for COVID-19.
They contend that keeping the house in session, especially when there is no urgent business is unduly endangering the lives of MPs and their constituents.
But the Sekondi MP disagrees.
“We cannot be asked to go home because some people have some ulterior motive other than public safety or the safety of MPs. I disagree the House should be suspended,” he said.
But MP for Kumbungu, Ras Mubarak said Parliament sittings in times of Covid-19 especially with reports of some MPs testing positive may endanger the lives of legislators and staff as well as their constituents.
“The CI maturing cannot be more important than the lives of the 275 members of parliament, the over 1,000 staff and the health and safety of the people of Ghana,” he said.
Though the Electoral Commission said it has put in place a risk mitigation plan for the compilation of the voters roll, the Minority MP said that cannot in any way guarantee public safety.
Ras Mubarak also contends exclusion of birth certificate and current voter ID cards as proof of nationality for the compilation of the new voter register is an indictment of state agencies such as the Birth and Death Registry.
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