Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has suggested building a new Parliamentary chamber to improve security for Members of Parliament (MPs).

0

He made this proposal on Monday, March 17, during the inauguration of the Parliamentary Service Board for the ninth Parliament.

1

Afenyo-Markin stressed the importance of having modern infrastructure that reflects the significance of Parliament in governance.

2

“Indeed, when I visited the British Parliament, even within the chamber, there is enhanced security. Here in the public gallery, anybody at all can throw anything at an MP, and there is no security.

3

4

“Mr Speaker, I am therefore looking forward to an enhanced security regime, and I am pleased to depart from this infrastructure. We can begin a conversation for a new chamber befitting the legislative arm of government.”

5

However, Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader, rejected the proposal by the Minority Leader, citing the current financial crisis of the state as the reason.

6

This is not the first time Ghanaian MPs have discussed the need for a new parliamentary chamber due to security concerns. The idea was first introduced in 2019, sparking significant public debate and opposition.

7

At that time, the proposal was criticized as being self-serving, with many arguing that Parliament should focus on addressing pressing national issues instead

8