The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has proposed the establishment of a new Parliamentary chamber to enhance the security of Members of Parliament (MPs), citing concerns over safety within the current facility.
The proposal was made during the inauguration of the Parliamentary Service Board for the Ninth Parliament on Monday, March 17, where Afenyo-Markin stressed the importance of modern infrastructure that reflects the stature and security needs of the legislative body.
“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,” he noted.
He argued that a new chamber would not only provide a more secure environment for lawmakers but also modernize parliamentary operations and improve efficiency. “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.”
However, the proposal was met with resistance from the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, who dismissed the idea, citing the country’s ongoing financial challenges. He argued that the government should focus on addressing pressing economic issues rather than investing in a new parliamentary facility at this time.
Ayariga’s rejection of the proposal highlights the ongoing debate about balancing security concerns with fiscal responsibility, as Ghana continues to navigate economic difficulties while ensuring the safety of its lawmakers and parliamentary staff.
