Majority and Minority leaders clash over new Parliamentary Chamber and Hospital

A heated debate has erupted between Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin over whether Ghana’s Parliament should prioritise the construction of a new parliamentary chamber and a dedicated hospital for MPs.

The issue, which has sparked sharp disagreements within the 9th Parliamentary Service Board, comes as the House considers key welfare and infrastructure matters affecting its members and staff.

The proposal for a Parliament-exclusive hospital was met with strong opposition from Mahama Ayariga, who dismissed it as unnecessary. He argued that Parliament already has access to top-tier healthcare facilities, including Ridge Hospital and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, making a separate hospital for MPs redundant.

“I don’t believe a hospital should be the priority of this Parliament,” Ayariga stated, rejecting Afenyo-Markin’s call for the facility. He insisted that resources should be allocated to more pressing national and parliamentary needs, rather than a project that wo

Afenyo-Markin, however, strongly advocated for discussions on constructing a new parliamentary chamber, citing security concerns and space constraints in the current facility. He warned that MPs face serious security risks due to the lack of proper protective infrastructure.

“Here in the public gallery, anybody at all can throw a thing at an MP,” he stressed, highlighting the potential dangers lawmakers face while sitting in the current chamber.

Afenyo-Markin insisted that Parliament must invest in a chamber that reflects its stature and ensures the safety and well-being of MPs.

“We can begin the conversation for a new chamber befitting Parliament. Be assured that we are committed in this direction. MPs have many concerns about their welfare, and I’m sure we’d put in necessary steps to ensure that,” he stated.

However, Mahama Ayariga dismissed the proposal, arguing that the current chamber is “fit for purpose” and that security concerns alone should not justify building a completely new facility.

“I disagree we should construct a new chamber for Parliament,” he said, maintaining that Parliament can continue to function effectively in its existing space.

While the two leaders remain divided on how to address infrastructure needs, they both acknowledged that Parliament’s security must be improved.

Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, who chairs the Parliamentary Service Board, echoed these concerns, stating that securing the Parliamentary enclave should be a top priority.

“We are insecure here; we are not safe. One of the responsibilities of the Board is to secure the Parliamentary enclave,” Bagbin cautioned.

He also urged Parliament’s leadership and staff to approach their duties with integrity, dedication, and patriotism, ensuring that governance remains efficient and productive.