Mahama joins calls for disclosure of MPs COVID-19 status
The former President, John Dramani Mahama, has backed calls for Parliament to disclose the COVID-19 status of all Members of Parliament.
“Reports that the virus has spread to the Chamber and offices of Parliament is very disturbing. It adds to the urgency of the situation we face as a country, and while it is important to give hope to citizens it is absolutely necessary to be transparent and communicate the full picture of the extent of the disease,” he said in a statement.
The NDC flag-bearer in the 2020 election also chided government over what he described as poor public education on the coronavirus. He said the government was creating a false impression, as though all was well with the management of the disease in Ghana.
“[The] government has unfortunately not managed public education on coronavirus efficiently, while the latest communication creates the false impression that all is well with the management and spread of the disease,” he reiterated.
His call comes after some fifteen persons, including two MPs and 13 parliamentary staff allegedly tested positive for the dreaded disease.
The 15 persons tested positive for the virus after the Speaker of Parliament, Prof Mike Ocquaye directed the mandatory testing for all persons in the legislature.
A political scientist and senior fellow at the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), Kwesi Jonah, was among the first to call on parliament to make public the COVID-19 results of MPs.
“There should be transparency… Nothing should be hidden. It’s not a secret lodge. Everything should be open,” Mr Jonah said.
Parliament earlier denied media reports that two parliamentarians and some staff had tested positive for the virus only to make a U-turn after MP for Asawase, Muntaka Mubarak confirmed some of his colleagues had truly tested positive for the virus.
‘Parliament lied’ – Muntaka confirms 2 MPs tested positive for coronavirus