FROM LEFT: Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, Vice-President Bawumia, President Akufo-Addo, Prof. Mike Oquaye and Haruna Iddrisu
President Akufo-Addo Meets Leadership Of Parliament Over Coronavirus Pandemic
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Monday met with the leadership of Parliament at the Jubilee House, Accra, to discuss how to support the health authorities to combat the raging coronavirus (COVID-19) disease.
The Speaker of Parliament, Mike Oquaye; 1st Deputy Speaker Joe Osei-Wusu, 2nd Deputy Speaker Alban Bagbin, Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensa-Bonsu and Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu attended the meeting with the President and his Vice, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
President Akufo-Addo described the pandemic as a medical crisis that is bringing in its wake deaths and economic difficulties, and is spreading fear and panic throughout the world.
Whilst outlining the initial measures that were put in place to confront the menace, the President told the leadership of Parliament that the increased number of cases recorded in the country, i.e. from two (2) to six (6), necessitated a review of the measures, the reason for his broadcast to the nation on Sunday, March 15.
Expressing his encouragement with the broad acceptance of the enhanced measures by Ghanaians, he stated that the measures announced would be under constant review, as would the enhanced hygiene protocols being observed by establishments and businesses.
To this end, President Akufo-Addo urged the leadership of Parliament to support the Executive as the Attorney General prepares to submit to the House emergency legislation to govern the measures announced.
The President gave an assurance that government was determined to do whatever was necessary, including the provision of the requisite resources, to ensure the safety of the population.
The Speaker assured President Akufo-Addo and the Executive of the support of Parliament in passing into law the legislation to be laid before the House in dealing with the pandemic.
The Speaker was supported in his statement by the Majority and Minority leaders.
The Speaker added that Members of Parliament would also assist with the effective dissemination of the dos and don’ts of the disease, as approved by the Ghana Health Service.