The Speaker of Parliament, Aaron Mike Oquaye has issued a strong note of caution to the House over their laxity in adhering to safety protocol. Although some staff have been explicitly asked to work remotely, some have disobeyed the order.
He said, “One thing is that our experts continue to tell us that this matter is also about movement. I have been advised that a few people have broken the instruction. Some staff insists on coming to the house and one person said his honorable member told him to come”.
Speaker of Parliament
The plot of chastisement thickens as he ordered legislators to avert breaking any directive put in place to ensure the safety of people, while also endearing them to report anyone who flouts the rules for punitive measures to be taken.
“Honorable members, this is the last warning. If any person engages a staff by way of research assistant and all those people who have been asked to stay at home, that person will be disciplined. When that happens nobody should come and plead for anyone. Let us also remember that if any honorable member sees any stranger on his or her floor and accommodates that kind of thing, you are helping the spread of the virus.”
Aaron Mike Oquaye
The move has become even more apparent and paramount due to the surge of COVID-19 cases in the country.
On the question of closing down the House as most offices have, the Speaker intimated that there is no way Parliament can shut down as a result of the pandemic. He rather categorically stated there will be another disinfection exercise carried out in the Chamber on Monday July 13, to mitigate the fears of members.
Prof. Oquaye said, “the chamber was fumigated and this will be done again on Monday dawn for the house to sit. That will be going on for our safety and security.
“So as for Parliament please let us know that we are in a very peculiar situation. In fact, government knows that Parliament can operate in case of emergency; separately and individually.
“Parliament is Parliament, so let us also be very careful on how to manage protocol and matters concerning us because it looks like we might be the last stop, otherwise there is no country. We are in a very critical situation and we must accept it as such and operate as such”.
Aaron Mike Oquaye
In explaining his stance, the Speaker said the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta is expected in the house for the presentation of the mid-year budget review, which makes a halt in activities impossible.
He said, “Very soon the honorable Minister of Finance is going to read the substantive budget. If parliament doesn’t sit, the country will shut down. There will be no money, it is as simple as that”.
