Divided House: Majority and Minority leaders clash over new chamber and hospital for Parliament

The debate over whether Ghana’s Parliament needs a new chamber and an exclusive hospital has sparked sharp disagreements between the Majority and Minority Leaders on the 9th Parliamentary Service Board, as the House considers key welfare and infrastructure issues for MPs.

At the centre of the disagreement are Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, both members of the Board, who hold contrasting views on what Parliament should prioritize for its members and staff.

Addressing proposals for the construction of a dedicated hospital for the Parliament, Mahama Ayariga flatly rejected the idea, stating that Parliament already has access to excellent healthcare facilities such as Ridge Hospital and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

“I don’t believe a hospital should be the priority of this Parliament,” Ayariga emphasized, responding directly to Afenyo-Markin’s suggestion.

Ayariga argued that resources should be channelled to the more pressing needs of the nation and Parliament rather than building an exclusive hospital for MPs.

The second major point of contention was whether a new parliamentary chamber should be built to address security and space concerns.

Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin pushed strongly for starting conversations on constructing a new and more secure chamber, arguing that MPs face real security threats when sitting in the current facility.

“Here in the public gallery, anybody at all can throw a thing at an MP,” Afenyo-Markin pointed out, highlighting potential dangers MPs face due to a lack of adequate security infrastructure.

“There are two things I look forward to happening in the 9th Parliament: the hospital for Parliament and security,” he added.

He also emphasized that Parliament should aim for a chamber that befits the stature and work of MPs and ensures their safety and well-being.

“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 assured.

However, Mahama Ayariga pushed back on the idea of a new chamber, describing the current one as “fit for purpose” and arguing that Parliament can continue to operate effectively in the existing space.

“I disagree we should construct a new chamber for Parliament,” Ayariga responded, adding that security concerns alone should not justify building a whole new facility.

While the two leaders are split on how to address infrastructural needs, they both agreed that Parliament’s security is an issue that cannot be ignored.

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, who chairs the Parliamentary Service Board, also commented on the matter, emphasizing that securing the Parliamentary enclave must 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 warned, echoing Afenyo-Markin’s concerns.

He urged both Parliament’s leadership and staff to approach their responsibilities with integrity, dedication and a focus on productivity and patriotism.

“To the new members, I urge you to approach your responsibilities with utmost integrity and dedication,” the Speaker added.

“The Board should get all staff to be duty-conscious, patriotic, and productive.”