Member of Parliament for Kumbungu has expressed concern over the President’s safety against the COVID-19 outbreak while he tours Europe.

Ras Mubarak on the floor of Parliament, Friday quizzed the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, whether the President will be quarantined upon his return.

“Could my honourable friend confirm whether, upon arrival in the country from his European tour, the President would be quarantined?” he asked on Floor.

He explained that the President of Mongolia, Khaltmaagiin Battulga in his country has been put in quarantine for a 14-day period since his return from a trip to China and therefore, this could be an option for President Akufo Addo once he returns.

He said considering such, “would be very helpful to Ghanaians”.

President Akufo-Addo who is on a five-nation European tour recently visited Norway which reportedly has a COVID-19 case recorded.

Several European countries have announced their first coronavirus cases, all apparently linked to the growing outbreak in Italy. Austria, Croatia, Greece and Switzerland said the cases involved people who had been to Italy, as did Algeria in North Africa.

The outbreak of COVID-19 has now spread to every continent except Antarctica. 

On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 30 January 2020.

Obviously worried the Kumbungu MP sought answers from the Majority Leader. 

In response, Mensah Bonsu said, “I want to believe it was said in jest because if anybody needs to be quarantined, I believe we have to start with the honourable [Ras Mubarak]. Mr Speaker, I have heard him occassionally coughing and I’m not sure where he’s coming from.”

Jokingly he continued, “he may have to be interrogated.”