Tag: parliament

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has refuted claims that his recent remarks on parliamentary security and healthcare were calls for extravagant benefits for Members of Parliament.

He clarified that his comments had been taken out of context and misrepresented by sections of the media.

Speaking during the inauguration of the Parliamentary Service Board for the ninth Parliament, Afenyo-Markin highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure improvements to enhance security and ensure better healthcare services for MPs and parliamentary staff.

“Indeed, when I visited the British Parliament, even within the chamber, there is enhanced security. Here in the public gallery, anybody at all can throw anything at an MP, and there is no security,” he remarked, underscoring the vulnerability of lawmakers.

He further stated, “Mr Speaker, I am therefore looking forward to an enhanced security regime, and I am pleased to depart from this infrastructure. We can begin a conversation for a new chamber befitting the legislative arm of government.”

However, his comments were met with criticism from the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, who rejected the proposal, citing the nation’s ongoing financial constraints.

Following public backlash, Afenyo-Markin took to the X platform on Tuesday, March 18, to clarify his position. He expressed disappointment in how his remarks had been reported, stating, “Unfortunately, much of the media coverage on my comments has been misleading, creating gross misconceptions about my position. The discussion was centered on broader institutional needs, yet selective reporting has misrepresented the intent behind my remarks.”

He explained that his comments were in response to concerns initially raised by Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin about security threats faced by MPs and parliamentary staff. “The Speaker bemoaned the state of insecurity in Parliament, highlighting the vulnerability of MPs and Parliamentary Service staff to potential threats,” he noted.

“In response, I suggested that if enhancing security within the current chamber is not feasible, we may have to consider a new chamber with the necessary security features to ensure a safer working environment,” he added.

Regarding healthcare, Afenyo-Markin emphasized that he was merely supporting the Speaker’s concerns about the state of medical care for MPs and staff. “While Parliament currently has a clinic, I suggested that it could be upgraded into a Parliamentary Hospital—similar to the 37 Military Hospital, Police Hospital, Bank of Ghana Hospital, Cocoa Clinic, and SSNIT Hospital.”

He stressed that such a facility would not only serve MPs and parliamentary staff but also extend services to retired officers, former MPs, and, where necessary, the general public. “Although these hospitals by some State Agencies are dedicated to their staff, they are equally open to the general public,” he explained.

Afenyo-Markin also pointed out that many MPs and parliamentary staff struggle with accessing healthcare due to confidentiality concerns. “Establishing a well-equipped medical facility within Parliament is a standard practice in many democratic nations, ensuring that those who serve the country can access prompt, confidential, and cost-effective healthcare when needed.”

“This proposal should, therefore, not be misinterpreted as a call for special privileges, but rather as a functional necessity, just as other critical institutions—such as the military, police, SSNIT, COCOBOD, and Bank of Ghana—have their own dedicated medical facilities. That said, I welcome further engagements on the matter.”

Meanwhile, Speaker Alban Bagbin has reiterated his concerns about the security of lawmakers and parliamentary staff, citing increasing attacks by unknown individuals within the parliamentary enclave.

Speaking at the inauguration, Bagbin disclosed that intruders had previously gained access to the premises, assaulted MPs and staff, and fled by scaling the perimeter wall into a nearby forest. He stressed the urgent need to strengthen security to ensure Parliament functions smoothly.

“One of the challenges that need to be addressed is to secure the parliamentary enclave to ensure the safety of members and staff. This has been a worrying matter for Parliament for some time now, we are actually insecure here.”

He warned that Parliament remains vulnerable to potential attacks, stating, “We are not safe. Sometimes people can come in and attack us or staff and anytime there is an attempt to apprehend them, they scale over the wall and escape into the forest.”

The Speaker urged the Parliamentary Service Board and leadership to prioritize security improvements, noting, “This is vital for the functioning of Parliament. I believe the ninth board will work assiduously to make this a reality. I will call on the leaders of the House to follow up on this matter.”