Parliament ‘Sacks’ Ayariga, 9 Others – Over COVID-19

Details have emerged that Mahama Ayariga, Member of Parliament (MP) for Bawku Central is part of the ten parliamentarians asked to self-quarantine.

Mr. Ayariga in a letter dated March 20, 2020 from the Acting Clerk of Parliament, Cyril Nsiah was  ordered to stay clear-off the precincts of Parliament until March 27 this year.

This is because the Bawku Central MP according to the letter on March 12 returned from a foreign trip and that is required to stay way in conformity with the World Health Organization (WHO) protocols.

A copy of the letter intercepted by the paper further tasked Mr. Ayariga to report to Dr. Prince Pambo, the Medical Director in Parliament for review before he resumes duty in the House.

It may be recalled that the Speaker of Parliament, Mike Oquaye during last Monday’s sitting made the announcement but did not mention the names of the eight legislators who have been asked to self-quarantine.

“You don’t expect me to mention names,” he said, adding “this is not done anywhere with regards to these conditions.”

He, however, added that the legislators are in self and voluntary isolation under the advice and supervision of Parliament’s physician and clerk.

“You don’t go about issuing details of names and all that. We are handling the matter in a very professional manner,” he stressed.

Last week, two MPs were asked to self-quarantine. Some five parliamentary staff, who were on the trip with them, were also asked to self-isolate for the mandatory 14 days before returning to Parliament.

“They should stay outside to enable a period of purge to take place before they come,” the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu said.

Meanwhile, Parliament, as part of measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus, is contemplating moving its sittings to the Accra International Conference Centre.

“For the time being, we want to leave one seat in between two members so that we sit in a way that is healthy. We will also be showing good example to our countrymen and women on the importance of social distancing,” Speaker Oquaye said.