Minority Leader wades into proposed new chamber

Minority Leader in Parliament Haruna Iddrisu has said he was part of discussions by the Parliamentary Service Board to get an expanded chamber for the House.

The Tamale South Member of Parliament said he has been part of every meeting on the new chamber and, in fact, had to even call for the change of time of the Speaker’s invitation for a meeting on Friday, July 5.

“My views on it, Mr Speaker, are matters of view that are on record in the minutes and in the recording of the proceedings of the Parliamentary [Service] Board.”

Haruna Iddrisu was clarifying the perception that he has not been part of discussions to have the 450-seater chamber constructed.

Critics including some lawmakers claim the decision is a sole conception of the Majority and the executive.

Public acrimony has arisen against the move with some already registering their opposition by way of protests.

There is even a social media campaign tagged #DropThatChamber starkly opposed to the move.

“Mr Speaker, I am not impervious to public opinion,” Haruna Iddrisu stressed.

“Therefore, the input of the public and regrettably that even Members of Parliament themselves were not apprised. . .that’s regrettable.”

On Thursday, the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu said despite the idea being mooted by the Board, no decisions have yet been taken on costs.

Majority Leader ‘not well-informed’ about funding for proposed chamber

This was corroborated by the Minority Leader.

“Nothing on the matter of cost is conclusive,” he said on the floor, insisting: “it was a journey we were walking.”