Members of Parliament (MPs) and the Speaker of Parliament have locked horns over the status of those who have contracted the Coronavirus.
It could be recall that, the Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin had disclosed that some MPs who have taken the compulsory COVID-19 tests have been detected positive.
In view of that, the Speaker had issued an order restraining such MPs from the house of Parliament and in the event that they fail to adhere to the order, he would be left with no option than to make their names and status public.
Meanwhile, this did not go down well with Members of Parliament who have risen up against the Speaker over what they described as a threat from him.
Some of the MPs have challenged Alban Bagbin’s threat to publish the names of those of them who have tested positive for coronavirus but have refused to isolate and seek the necessary treatment.
Some Parliamentarians argued that the Speaker does not have the right to publish the confidential medical reports of MPs.
MP for South Dayi, Rockson Dafeamekpor who was speaking on JoyNews said although Speaker Bagbin has the test result of all legislators, it will be imprudent for the Speaker to openly declare MPs who have tested positive for 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 said.
Holding a similar sentiment, MP for Sekondi, Andrew Egyapa Mercer in an interview on JoyNews’ AM Show Thursday said Mr. Bagbin must use other means rather than publication to get the MPs to comply.
“I don’t have the result for the second testing that we have done in Parliament because I guess that the protocol with respect to the test that we do in Parliament is that, only those who test positive are contacted and they proceed to take the necessary steps relating to isolating and subsequent treatment if need be,” he said.
The second wave of the virus is reported to have been spreading fast in the country hence government has taken swift actions to contain and protect the lives of citizens.
The government has step up education on the need to respect and adhere to the protocols set to fight the virus.
Meanwhile, some Ghanaians have commended the Speaker of Parliament for taking step to ensure the protection of MPs and other staff of Parliament.
They see nothing wrong with the order given by the Speaker of Parliament and urged him to enforce the order without fear or favour.
