COVID-19 is not a death sentence; Don’t hide test results. Parliament should lead by example – Hon. Okudzeto
Earlier, there were series of publications in the media that disclosed that, two MPs including some thirteen (13) parliamentary staff have been tested positive of Coronavirus. In responding to the issues, the parliamentary service in a statement said, the coronavirus test results are not yet known by Parliament hence, dissociated itself from the claim.
In a contrary view, the Honourable Member of Parliament for the North Tongu Constituency Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has noted that, the Parliament of Ghana must act as an example to the Ghanaian public by telling the truth on coronavirus test results of Members of Parliament and Parliamentary staff. According to him, he was disappointed in how the test results have been managed by Parliament.
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Mr. Ablakwa, expressed worry by saying, there should be nothing to hide on coronavirus tests of MPs and Parliamentary staff, thus Parliament must not take an entrenched position on the matter.
“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.”
The Ranking Member on Foreign Affairs has added that, many countries across the globe have not taken an entrenched position on test results of their high class personalities, and the Parliament of the Republic of Ghana should not be an unworthy exception.
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“Many world leaders and institutions of repute have not concealed the result of their tests, the Ghanaian Parliament shouldn’t be an unworthy exception.” He explained.
The Legislator of the Ghanaian Parliament has said, the house would have done Ghanaians good by making the identity of the said individuals known to help in contact tracing, disinfection protocols to help protect the life of people who are very close with them, than refusing to be open and transparent on the test results.
“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.” He added.
According to him, “COVID-19 is not a death sentence. Let the august House set a better example!”
