Gov’t reject calls to build new chamber

The Parliamentary Service Board’s decision to construct a complex including a new 450-seater chamber which became a subject of public outrage has been dropped by the government of Ghana.

Information at the Presidency indicates, President  Akufo-Addo has expressed dissatisfaction over the move.

The proposed chamber, which parliamentary leaders hoped to build within three years, was expected to cost US$200 million. They argued that the present chamber in State House was not fit for purpose because it lacks adequate facilities and poses certain security risks.

However, credible sources from within the Presidency and close to senior ministers say President Akufo-Addo has clamped down on the project.

“The President is intent on ensuring that the government focuses on its priority projects – roads, education and training, agriculture, rural development, water and housing,” said one top-level source. “The proposal for this building project hasn’t even come to cabinet for discussion, let alone been given cabinet approval.

“The major announcements of business in the last two weeks will tell you where the focus of this government is.” the source indicated.

Most Ghanaians were awed and enraged about the rationale behind the proposed facility, particularly when according to many, there were other more important needs of citizens; the likes of portable water, classroom blocks, employment among others.

According to them, building a parliamentary chamber in this current economic hardship state is unnecessary.

The project, expected to be funded partly by the Indian government with counterpart funding from the government of Ghana, when constructed, will consist of a 450-seater chamber, a chapel, mosque, restraint and a parliamentary museum.