Principle of chamber in the future not new – Deputy Speaker of Parliament

Deputy speaker in parliament, Joseph Osei Owusu has revealed that the concept of a new chamber is nothing new to parliament.

According to him, past presidents have made suggestions regarding the new chamber during their State of the Nation address but the only thing was for them to “move principle forward and design the concept”

He revealed that the backlash by the public comes as a surprise since no agreement in regards to the new chamber has been made.

“The principle of a chamber in the future is not new, as a member of this parliament for ten years I have heard all the president that have spoken on the matter mention it in their state of the nation address. I have heard speakers refer to it in their closing sections as far as I’m concerned the only other thing that has been taken is to more the principle forward and design the concept. I don’t know how come there was a public discussion as if the procurement has been done or any step has been taken but whatever it is that generated this discussion”

Joseph Osei Owusu made this statement in parliament after the leaders of the Majority and Minority made their comment regarding the controversial 450-seater chamber.

Meanwhile, Former Youth Organizer of the CPP, Ernesto Yeboah was arrested Friday morning when he disrupted sitting to vent his anger over plans for a new chamber.

The leader of the Economic Fighters League who was sitting at the public gallery when Member of Parliament for Adansi Asokwa, K.T. Hammond was on the floor speaking about the proposal of a new parliamentary chamber got up and screamed “we don’t need any discussion on this. drop that chamber...”.

He was bundled out of the chamber together with another member of the group.

“Drop that chamber,” Ernesto Yeboah kept chanting as he was led to the Parliament police station in handcuffs.

He told the media that “We are fighting for all of you, if you lack the courage to say it we shall say it for you and we shall take the penalties thereof”.

The 3 were granted bail after an arrest.



Background

Ghanaians have criticised plans to construct a new 450-chamber for Ghana’s legislator on various social media platforms.

The decision to build a new chamber estimated to cost $200 million has been met with intense opposition from Ghanaians as well as civil society groups.

Some lawmakers, especially from the Minority side, like the MP for North Tongu, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa; Ras Mubarak, MP for Kumbungu; and Tamale North MP Alhassan Suhuyini, have described the move as needless.

Also, some lawmakers from the Majority side, including Samuel Ayeh-Paye, Ayensuano; and Mr Patrick Boamah, Okaikwei Central, have also said a new chamber is not necessary for now.

However, the Majority Leader of Parliament, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has been justifying the need for a new chamber.