MPs respond to Speaker’s threat; say he has no right to disclose their COVID-19 status
- Some members of parliament tested positive for the virus, but were seen on the floor of the house
- The speaker threatened to publicise names of those who tested positive but still come into the Chamber
- In reaction to the Speaker's threat, some members of parliament argued that the speaker has no right to do so
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YEN.com.gh earlier reported that the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei Owusu, had cautioned the MPs who had contracted the COVID-19 to stay away from parliament.
His comments came after some members of parliament tested positive for the virus, yet were seen on the floor of the house.
Osei Owusu threatened to take action against them if they continued to show up for parliamentary sittings.
According to him, they have no business on the floor of the house after getting infected.
Source: Facebook
In reaction to the Speaker's threat, some members of parliament argued that the speaker has no right to make public their confidential health records.
In a report filed by Joy News, MP for South Dayi, Rockson Dafeamekpor said it would not be right for the speaker to publicise those who have the virus.
“The leadership has the list so they know those who are positive and those who are negative but I am not in favour [of publishing the names] because these are medical matters and must be confidential,” he told JoyNews.
Andrews Egyapa Mercer, the MP for Sekondi said Bagbin must use other means to drive his message home, rather than the publication of the names to get the MPs to comply.
Meanwhile, 15 Members of Parliament and 56 parliamentary service staff have tested positive for COVID-19.
These numbers come after the speaker of parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin directed that all MPs undertake a mandatory test.
He said all the 15 MPs that have contracted the virus have been contacted and advised to self-isolate and undergo treatment.
Bagbin also added that the household of the infected MPs and 56 Parliamentary staff will be tested.
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Source: YEN.com.gh
