Let’s shelve idea of new chamber for later – Gabby Otchere-Darko

Leading member of the New Patriotic Party, Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, has waded into the conversation awoken by the proposed construction of a new parliamentary chamber.

The edifice, estimated to cost government some $200million, has sparked debate among members of the public with many questioning its necessity.

Legal practitioner, Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko has joined scores of Ghanaians who have called on government to, at least for now, keep in abeyance, the construction of the 450-seater chamber.

In a facebook post sighted by ABCNews, Mr. Otchere-Darko said albeit the construction of the new parliamentary chamber will inure to the country’s benefit by adding to its national monuments and also give legislators a better working environment, it should be set aside for now.

“Beautiful design. Will add to our national monuments and give MPs a better working environment. But, not now. Shelve it. A tough sell.” – Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko

Other legislators, many of whom form part of the minority in Parliament expressed similar views insisting the move serves no proper use to Ghana at this particular point in time.

The opposition NDC has also kicked against the move with a directive to all of its members, particularly those who represent the party in Parliament, to hold the same view. Any member who contradicts this directive shall be severely sanctioned, party secretary Johnson Asiedu Nketia told local radio station, Joy FM, in an interview.

Meanwhile, there’s a planned demonstration by a section of Ghanaians Friday morning over the raging issue with the construction of a new chamber for Ghana’s parliament. Scores of people have already picketed at the forecourt of Parliament, ABC News can confirm, in a move which is expected to compel leadership of the house to shelve plans for the construction.