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Majority Leader of Parliament, Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu in an attempt to ensure that all Parliamentarians are safe to conduct the business of Parliament has suggested that the Members of Parliament include their wives and children in the COVID-19 test.

According to him, aside the directive by Rt. Hon Speaker Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin that every Member of Parliament should take part in the COVID-19 test, every Parliamentarian should make the COVID-19 test a routine exercise.

Speaking on Okay FM’s 'Ade Akye Abia' Morning Show, the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs-designate explained that the need to conduct a periodic COVID-19 test is based on the fact that being negative of COVID-19 today does not guarantee one’s safety tomorrow, hence, the decision of the Speaker of Parliament for MPs to go for the COVID-19 test from time to time.

“If possible, the Speaker suggested that we go for the COVID-19 test every month. The last time I went for the COVID-19 test was on 4th January 2021 but about three days ago, I have gone for another one and I am yet to receive the result of the test,” he stated.

He added that it is prudent for the Members of Parliament who live with their families to take part in the COVID-19 test as they also engage in various activities which make the Parliamentarians exposed to contracting the virus.

“Every MP lives with a family at home and the family members also have their own regular activities. If you have children, maybe they go to school and the school environment has its own ecosystem where the children can contract the virus and bring it home and that is why if you are going for the test, it would be important to carry your wife and children along for the COVID-19 test,” he suggested. 

He, however, disclosed that going forward the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin has announced that Parliament will be meeting two times a week.

He further said that Parliament has banned people from coming to the Public Gallery to listen to Parliamentary proceedings as a means to protect the House since 56 staff of Parliament and 15 Members of Parliament have all tested positive to the Covid-19.