The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Monday, 16th March, 2020, met with the leadership of Parliament, at Jubilee House, the seat of the nation’s presidency, to discuss wide-ranging issues bordering on the Coronavirus pandemic.
With the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Mike Oquaye; 1st Deputy Speaker, Hon. Joe Osei-Wusu; 2nd Deputy Speaker, Hon. Alban Bagbin; Majority Leader, Hon. Osei Kyei Mensa Bonsu; and Minority Leader, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, in attendance, President Akufo-Addo described the pandemic as a medical crisis that is bringing in its wake deaths and economic difficulties, and is spreading fear and panic throughout the world.
Whilst outlining the initial measures that were put in place to confront the menace, the President told the leadership of Parliament that the increased number of cases recorded in the country, i.e. from two (2) to six (6), necessitated a review of the measures, the reason for his broadcast to the nation on Sunday, 15th March.
Expressing his encouragement with the broad acceptance of the enhanced measures by Ghanaians, he stated that the measures announced will be under constant review, as will the enhanced hygiene protocols being observed by establishments and businesses.
To this end, President Akufo-Addo urged the leadership of Parliament to support the Executive, as the Attorney General prepares to submit to the House emergency legislation to govern the measures announced.
The President assured that Government is determined to do whatever is necessary, including providing the requisite resources, to ensure the safety of the population.
On behalf of leadership, Rt. Hon. Mike Oquaye assured President Akufo-Addo and the Executive of the support of Parliament in passing into law the legislation to be laid before the House in dealing with the pandemic. The Speaker was supported in his statement by the Majority and Minority Leaders.
The Speaker added that Members of Parliament will also assist with the effective dissemination of the dos and donts of the disease, as approved by the Ghana Health Service.
