The measure is to allow adequate space needed for the House to deliberate on urgent bills pending before it and to stop the potential spread of the deadly disease, COVID-19 among members of the House.

The Speaker of Parliament, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, who made this known at the onset of business in the House
yesterday, said the measure would make Parliament to heed to the global instruction for people seated or standing to observe social distancing to stop the spread of COVID-19.

He, therefore, advised members of the House to endeavour to leave one seat in between them during proceedings in the Chamber.

Prior to the Speaker’s announcement of a possible relocation to the AICC, quite a number of Members of Parliament had suggested the need for the legislative body to suspend sitting due to urgent measure to stop the spread among lawmakers.

Good example

However, addressing the House yesterday, Professor Oquaye stated that as a measure to combat the spread of the disease, there was an urgent need for members of Parliament to sit in a way that would be healthy for them.

“This will also be showing a good example to our country men and women on the importance of social distancing because of our stature as members of this country.

“Maybe, this thing will make people realise that Parliament is really in need of a more spacious place to do the business that we are mandated to do.

“So in future, all these will be considered appropriately,” he said.

He further told the House that the decision to relocate to the AICC was based on a suggestion by the Majority Leader,
Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, not long ago.

Majority Leader

Last week, the Majority Leader disclosed to the House the he was leading the leadership of Parliament to discuss with the management of the Accra International Conference Centre for Parliament to relocate and utilise the adequate space at the facility.

The measure, he explained, had become necessary due to the outbreak of the novel COVID-19 disease in the country and to stop the spread of the viral illness among legislators.