The Majority Leader in Parliament, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, has strongly opposed a proposal by the Minority Leader, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, for the construction of a dedicated hospital and a new chamber for Members of Parliament (MPs).
During a parliamentary meeting, Hon. Ayariga dismissed the idea, arguing that it is neither a priority for Parliament nor a responsible use of national resources at a time when Ghana is facing significant financial challenges.
“I don’t believe that the hospital should be the priority of this Parliament,” he stated. “Mr. Speaker, we are very close to the Ridge Hospital, which I personally believe is adequate to provide services that staff here will need.”
He criticized the proposal as an attempt to create a special healthcare facility for MPs, distancing them from the general public.
“I don’t believe that at this stage of the finances of this country, we should have a political class building a hospital specially for itself and not wanting to mingle with ordinary Ghanaians and the facilities that they use. So, I totally reject the proposal,” he added.
Hon. Ayariga suggested that instead of constructing a new hospital, Parliament should focus on upgrading its existing clinic to provide better services.
“We have a clinic, which is in line with what most establishments have, and I believe that if anything at all, we should just improve upon the facilities and services there. When serious medical care is needed, MPs can use the Ridge Hospital or Korle Bu, which are not too far from here.”
The Majority Leader also dismissed the argument for constructing a new parliamentary chamber, stating that security concerns do not justify such an investment at this time.
“I don’t think that the security issue warrants discussion about constructing a new chamber. I totally reject that as well. This country is confronted with a lot of financial challenges, and we should focus on addressing those rather than discussing a new chamber for Parliament.”
The majority Leader in Parliament, Hon. Mahama Ayariga has firmly opposed the Minority Leader’s proposal, insisting that the current parliamentary chamber has served the nation well over the years and remains adequate for legislative business.
Story by Freedom Lavoe
