Coronavirus causes indefinite suspension of Parliament

    0
    12
    Advertisement

    The Speaker of Parliament, Reverend Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, has suspended sitting indefinitely over the scourge of the coronavirus pandemic.

    He announced to members on Saturday, April 4 that other means are being considered for sittings to be held.

    “We are working on how we can apply appropriate technology for further development on the work of Parliament.

    “The details will be supplied to you when relevant consultations have been made,” he said.

    Parliament was scheduled to rise on Saturday but the Right Honourable Speaker said leadership preferred a suspension so that the House can re-convene within a day or two.

    “If we should rise, then under any emergency when our intervention is required, we will need two weeks’ notice if we should rise, according to the Constitution and the Standing Orders.

    “Once sitting is suspended, we can ask the House to proceed to work in a day or two’s notice or within hours as the circumstances may demand.”

    Parliament had observed social distancing since the outbreak of the viral disease, asking some staff to proceed on mandatory leave.

    Some members who had travelled outside the country for official assignments were asked to self-quarantine.

    Speaker Oquaye had suggested the use of the Accra International Conference Centre for sittings if need be.

    But on Saturday, he said a decision has been taken to rather suspend sitting.

    Source: 3news.com|Ghana