Coronavirus: Rise as patriots of the Republic - Speaker tells MPs

Rt. Hon. Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, the Speaker of Parliament, says all Members of Parliament (MPs) together with their supporting staff should rise in the face of the global Coronavirus pandemic as patriots of the Republic of Ghana.

According to him, Ghana is in a state of national emergency, therefore her citizen are living in unprecedented times.

The Rt. Hon. Speaker made this known when he suspended parliamentary sitting Saturday, April 4, 2020, until further notice.

He said parliament will resume sitting only when the leadership of the House deem it fit to call on parliamentarians.

Prof. Mike Oquaye noted in a statement that “Parliaments are currently subject to the same public health and social distancing measures as schools, places of worship or businesses. Yet, in a time of crisis, the role of Parliament is more vital than ever.”

He added: “Parliament will have to find new ways and innovations to enhance support and continuing service to the nation".

He indicated that despite the dictates of national crisis, and the times in which we live, “Parliament should be responsive to the needs of our people".

He further stated: I wish to read to you our Standing Order No. 6: “In all cases not provided for in this Order, Mr. Speaker shall make provisions as he deems fit”.

The Speaker pointed it out that parliament is not rising today but is sitting indefinitely.

“If we should rise, then on any emergency where our intervention will be required, we may need two weeks’ notice according to the Constitution and the Standing Orders. Once sitting is suspended we can ask the House to proceed to work in a day or two.”

Read below the Speaker's full statement to the house.