He said the exercise, which is to begin today, formed part of measures to stop the spread of the infection among legislators and staff of the legislative body.

“In addition to observing the established protocols, I have directed, on the authority of the Parliamentary Service Board, the Clerk and Parliament’s Medical Officer to liaise with the appropriate institution to immediately conduct testing of all honourable members and staff of the Parliamentary Service for COVID-19,” he said.

Cooperation

Delivering his welcome remarks at the commencement of the sitting of the second meeting of the fourth session of the seventh Parliament, Prof. Oquaye requested the cooperation of parliamentarians and staff to make the exercise a success.

On March 25, this year, the Speaker disclosed that 10 MPs and five staff of Parliament who travelled abroad on official assignment had been directed to go into self-isolation for the mandatory 14 days to protect themselves, their families, staff and members of the public.

Adhere to protocols

Prof. Oquaye, who noted that the coronavirus infection was still with Ghanaians, expressed worry over the rate at which the COVID-19 pandemic was steadily rising in the country.

He said while there was no scientifically approved cure or vaccine, legislators and staff of the Parliamentary Service should adhere to all laid down hygiene protocols to abate the spread.

“These include washing of hands with soap under running water, cleaning our hands with clean disposable paper, application of approved hand sanitisers, wearing of approved mask while in public and observing social distancing are requisite for keeping us safe,” he said.

He also asked leadership of the Parliament to ensure that members sat one-space-one-chair apart, saying that “when there is an overflow, the Whips will decide what to do.”

Though the Director of Public Affairs of Parliament, Ms Kate Addo, had hinted that the public gallery would be used as an extension of the chamber to allow for social distancing among MPs, there was no need for that on the opening day.

Not many legislators turned up, thus they used the usual sitting arrangement in the chamber.

However, Ms Addo said once all members turned up and there was the need for social distancing, that plan would be implemented.

New Clerk-to-Parliament

He used the occasion to express the admiration of the House to all frontline staff of the Ghana Health Service who had continually demonstrated unwavering commitment in the fight against COVID-19 in the country.

He also announced to the House the appointment by the Parliamentary Service Board of Mr Cyril Kwabena Nsiah as the new Clerk-to-Parliament with effect from May 7, 2020.

Until his appointment, Mr Nsiah was the Deputy Clerk responsible for Finance, Administration and General Services, and also acted as Clerk-to-Parliament.

“May I entreat honourable members and staff to cooperate and work with Mr Nsiah in his new capacity as Clerk-to-Parliament,” the Speaker appealed.

Bills, paper and reports

Presenting the business statement to the House, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, said the second meeting of the House was expected to span 12 weeks and implored the members of the House to brace themselves for the task ahead.

He said the Business Committee of Parliament was still in the process of making a determination with respect to very urgent business for the House, saying that there would be 36 Bills and 27 instruments for consideration before the House.

He added that to ensure priority of the business in the House, the Business Committee met all the ministers yesterday “for us to know all the priority areas.”

Prioritise business of the House

The Minority Leader, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, urged the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and the House in general to be selective and pay more attention to businesses that were urgent in nature.

“We must engage in these extraordinary times with extraordinary matters. If there are matters of finance and budget concerning COVID-19 we can do, but if any other matter, Mr Speaker, I have a difficulty,” the Minority Leader said.