The Minority in Parliament has asked for a debate to be tabled over whether or not the country should be locked down as part of containment measures against the deadly Coronavirus pandemic.
The demand was made in Parliament today under the justification that a lockdown is already a hot talking point among the populace.
Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs Committee, Hon. Okudzeto Ablakwa, who proposed the debate said it was necessary to hold the debate because as representatives of the people, MPs have a responsibility to project the opinions of their constituents on the floor of Parliament which is the most ideal platform.
“Our constituents have been calling us and when they do, all they talk about is Coronavirus,” the North Tongu MP told the House.
He said it was necessary to hold the debate soonest, as Parliament is about to go on recess next week.
In response, Majority Leader, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, said plans are underway to hold such a debate.
The debate as to whether the government should lock down the country has been raging on with the likes of the Ghana Medical Association and the Trades Union Congress all advocating for the lockdown.
However, President Akufo Addo has resisted the pressure, reasoning that a lockdown would impair life and therefore will only be done if it becomes absolutely necessary.
According to the President, Government is in touch with medical experts and will effect any advice to lock down the country as soon as it is given.
A lockdown would really be problematic for many in the country which has some 90% of households lacking toilets.
However, proponents of the lockdown cite Ghana’s rapidly increasing Coronavirus infections.
In a space of about two weeks, the country has recorded 136 infections with 4 deaths.