Call for new Chamber, MPs’ hospital a misplaced priority – Inusah Fuseini

Former Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, Alhaji Inusah Fuseini, has strongly opposed the proposal for a new parliamentary chamber aimed at enhancing security and a dedicated hospital for MPs.

He described the initiative as a misplaced priority, arguing that Ghana is currently bankrupt and cannot afford such an expenditure.

His comments follow a proposal made by the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, calling for the establishment of a new parliamentary chamber to enhance the security of Members of Parliament (MPs). The Effutu MP also proposed a dedicated hospital for MPs arguing that the health of MPs must be prioritised.

The proposal was put forward during the inauguration of the Parliamentary Service Board for the ninth Parliament on Monday, March 17, where Afenyo emphasized the need for new infrastructure that reflects the importance of the legislative arm of government.

Speaking on Eyewitness News on Citi FM on Monday, March 17, Fuseini insisted that such a decision should only be considered in the future when the country has achieved economic stability, balanced its budget, and made significant savings.

“The call for a new chamber at this crucial time in our economy is very misplaced. Even in 2019, when the country was not bankrupt, civil societies rejected the idea, arguing that it was not the time for a new chamber but rather a time to save the country from economic downturns.

“So to make that statement now, when the country is bankrupt and under IMF support and programs, is shocking. I don’t think such a proposal should have come from the Minority Leader at all.

“A new chamber does not protect MPs in any way. Since the day I entered Parliament until today, there has been a massive improvement in security. Scanners have been installed at both gates of Parliament to prevent people from entering without being scanned.

“It wasn’t like that before, so clearly, there have been improvements. Maybe in the future, when our financial situation improves, and we can balance our budget, make savings, and the country is prosperous, then we can consider spending money on such things,” He said.