Coronavirus: Parliament to move to International Conference Center if situation worsen- Kyei Mensah Bonsu

Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Majority Leader of Parliament, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, has disclosed that Parliament is likely to move to the International Conference Center in the wake of the spread of COVID-19.

He says it has a wider sitting area to enable them to distance themselves from each other during proceedings.

Speaking on Okay FM's 'Ade Akye Abia' programme, he explained that though the government has come out with measures to contain the situation, the House is also taking its personal steps to ensure their safety.

"Parliament will not close now due to the spread, but we have put in adequate measures to ensure the safety of members....Parliament will also liaise with the Attorney General to enact laws as directed by the President to ensure that members of the public adhere to the directives of the President.

"Enough measures have been taken to ensure the safety of Members of Parliament, but in the meantime, the leadership of the House will meet to discuss our future move to the International Conference Center for sitting should the situation worsen," he said.

Government bans Church activities, funerals, all other public gatherings

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Meanwhile, government has also banned all public gatherings including conferences, workshops, funerals, festivals, political rallies, church activities, and other related events as part of measures to stop the spread of coronavirus in the country.

President Nana Akufo-Addo, during a televised national address, said the ban will be in force for the next four weeks.

The President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has directed schools in the country to shut down effective Monday, March 16, 2020.

The President gave the order when he addressed the nation on Sunday, March 15, 2020.

“All Universities, Senior High Schools, and basic schools, i.e. public and private schools, will be closed Monday, 16th March 2020, till further notice. The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Communication, has been tasked to roll out distance learning programs,” he said.

President Akufo-Addo, however, said students who will be taking part in this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) “will be allowed to attend school to prepare for their examinations, but with prescribed social distancing protocols.”

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