Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga rejected a proposal by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin to establish a dedicated hospital for Members of Parliament (MPs) and construct a new parliamentary chamber.
Afenyo-Markin pushed for the projects during the swearing-in of the Parliamentary Service Board on Monday, arguing that lawmakers needed confidential healthcare and improved working conditions. He insisted that a Parliamentary hospital would reduce the need for MPs to seek expensive medical treatment abroad.
“We are in the political class, and our health issues must be handled within certain confines. Many MPs travel abroad at great costs for medical care. A hospital for Parliament will be a game-changer,” he argued.
He also revived the debate on the construction of a new parliamentary chamber, stressing that both initiatives would enhance efficiency in the legislature.
Ayariga Shuts Down Proposal, Cites Economic Struggles
Ayariga swiftly dismissed the proposal, warning that Ghana’s economic crisis made such projects unnecessary. He insisted that Parliament’s proximity to Ridge Hospital and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital provided adequate healthcare services for lawmakers.
“A hospital for MPs is not a priority. Ridge Hospital is nearby and fully equipped. MPs should not isolate themselves from the healthcare facilities used by ordinary Ghanaians. Instead of a new hospital, we should improve Parliament’s existing clinic,” Ayariga declared.
