The Member of Parliament (MP) for Kumbungu Constituency, Ras Mubarak has said Parliamentarians who refuse to partake in the Covid-19 mass testing should not be allowed into the chamber and their offices.

According to him, the mass testing taking place at Parliament, “is mandatory and the standing orders of parliament actively provide sanctions for people who violate the Speaker’s directives.

"So I don’t think any member will say in good spirit that he will not submit to the particular process.”

Speaking to Joy News, the Kumbungu MP said the Covid-19 mass testing exercise taking place at parliament is commendable as it will ensure the safety of the MPs and staff at work.

He added that it would encourage constituents to also get tested when the need arises.

The Speaker of Parliament has directed all members and staff of the House to be tested for coronavirus.

In his welcome address as Parliament resumed sitting Tuesday, Prof Mike Oquaye assured members and all staff that the necessary steps will be taken to protect them.

Ras Mubarak further called for the mandatory testing of spouses of parliamentarians and journalists who cover parliament as “it would go a long way to help all of us in this fight.”

He stated that any Member of Parliament or staff, who violate the standing order, should be prohibited from entering the premises of the House as their presence could endanger other workers.

“If they don’t [take the test], certainly the House will have to take a decision to prohibit them from accessing not just the chamber but from accessing their offices and accessing the premises of Parliament, because by not undergoing the mandatory testing one may be endangering all the Members of Parliament.”

Ghana becomes the second country in Africa to order for the mandatory Covid-19 testing of Parliamentarians after Botswana.