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Afenyo-Markin Advocates for Dedicated Hospital and New Parliamentary Chamber for MPs

Published 1 day ago2 minute read

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has advocated for the establishment of a dedicated hospital for Members of Parliament (MPs) to address their health concerns while ensuring confidentiality. Speaking at the inauguration of the Parliamentary Service Board for the ninth Parliament on Monday, March 17, 2025, the Effutu MP highlighted the unique challenges parliamentarians face in accessing private healthcare. Afenyo-Markin believes that a parliamentary hospital would significantly safeguard the health and privacy of lawmakers, who often face heightened scrutiny, making it difficult to seek medical care discreetly.

"Mr Speaker, there are two things that I hope for in this ninth parliament. One is a hospital for parliament. If it does happen, according to your vision, it will be a great milestone. We are a political class, and our health issues must be known within certain confines. Because of confidentiality issues, people travel abroad at great cost for medical support. I believe if we are able to deal with this, it will help," he stated.

In addition to the hospital proposal, the Minority Leader also proposed the construction of a new Parliamentary chamber to enhance the security of Members of Parliament. He emphasized the need for new infrastructure that reflects the importance of the legislative branch. Afenyo-Markin noted security vulnerabilities in the current chamber, stating, "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 expressed his anticipation for an enhanced security regime and a new chamber befitting the legislative arm of government, stating, "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, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has opposed the proposal for a new Parliamentary chamber, citing the state's current financial crisis as the primary reason.

From Zeal News Studio(Terms and Conditions)
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