Audio By Carbonatix
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.
Latest Stories
-
Digitalisation, AI key to Ghana’s tourism transformation – GHATOF
13 seconds -
Stronger GTA-private sector partnership needed to grow tourism – GHATOF
10 minutes -
Amazon eyes Ghana for broadband expansion after talks with Mahama
55 minutes -
National Investment Quiz 2026: Six schools qualify for quarter-finals
1 hour -
‘Do not let Russia pay for its madness with lives of your people’ – Zelensky to Ghana, 46 other countries
1 hour -
6,079 promotion cases fully processed and paid – CAGD says amid nationwide teachers’ strike
2 hours -
Teacher unions to meet government Monday over nationwide strike
2 hours -
Photo story: Republic Bank-JoyNews Habitat Fair clinic wraps up after three days of housing solutions, expert engagement
2 hours -
National Peace Council urges investment in youth to sustain Ghana’s peace
2 hours -
Afenyo-Markin urges youth to speak up against injustice
3 hours -
CAF annuls Edo Queens victory, orders WAFU B final to resume from extra time
3 hours -
Interior Minister urges traditional authorities to enforce anti-bushfire bye-laws
3 hours -
3rd Republic Bank-JoyNews Habitat Fair Clinic ends on a high note after three days of strong patronage
3 hours -
Ten climbers missing after avalanche hits Himalayan base camp
4 hours -
NPP had more permanent fuel relief measures than current GH¢2 diesel cut – Amin Adam
4 hours