COVID-19: Hiding test results of MPs’ unreasonable – Ablakwa

The Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has asked parliament to be transparent with the people of Ghana regarding the status of lawmakers who have tested for COVID-19.

His comment follows a media row on the status on some MPs in respect to the virus.

While news broke of 15 MPs and Parliamentary staff testing positive for the global pandemic, the public affairs unit of the House rejected same.

But in a post on Facebook, the MP stated that “there should be nothing to hide”.

According to the outspoken legislator, the practice of not hiding anything if proceed would help in removing the stigma associated with the disease.

“There should be nothing to hide. Let us lead by example and in a way that avoids entrenching stigmatization which is becoming a major challenge in the national coronavirus response,” he wrote.

Read the full post below: 

As I noted earlier today on the floor of Parliament though with some resistance from the Rt. Hon. Speaker, which I take in stride, I am totally disappointed in how the COVID-19 testing of MPs and Staff of the House has been managed.

There should be nothing to hide. Let us lead by example and in a way that avoids entrenching stigmatization which is becoming a major challenge in the national coronavirus response.

Many world leaders and institutions of repute have not concealed the result of their tests, the Ghanaian Parliament shouldn’t be an unworthy exception.

Even more troubling; by refusing to be transparent we shall fail to observe the urgently needed contact tracing and disinfecting protocols thereby endangering the health of those associated with Parliament including all MPs, staff, journalists, family relations, guests of Parliament and our constituents, many of whom we continue to engage very regularly.

COVID-19 is not a death sentence. Let the august House set a better example!