The Executive Director for African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA), Dr Rashid Draman has advised Parliament to adopt the use of virtual platforms to avoid the spread of Covid-19.
ACEPA, which has already called for the closure of the house, said it would be dangerous for MPs to physically attend sittings.
Mr Draman speaking on Citi News said all the MPs have gadgets that can enable them conduct business of the house without coming into contact.
“Today, I think we all have learnt that it is possible to conduct business without being in a particular space. Over the last year, many people have conducted business sitting at their desks and their homes and many Parliaments around the world have done that. I don’t see why it is not possible here in Ghana,” Dr. Draman said.
Though Parliament has reduced sittings to twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Dr. Draman said: “I think they should go beyond that and employ the benefits of technology we have today.”
“All MPs have laptops. I believe most of them have computers in their homes. Just with the deployment of technology, I think it is possible to conduct the business of the house from their own individual space,” he added.
The Speaker, Alban Bagbin, announced this on Thursday, February 4, 2021, that some 15 MPs and 56 parliamentary staff tested positive for COVID-19 after a recent round of testing.
“Only members of Parliament and members of staff who are needed for the business of the House on those days will be allowed in the precincts of Parliament from next week,” Mr. Bagbin said.
For the infected MPs, he said “all the 15 members have been contacted and advised to self-isolate. They have also been given prescriptions to facilitate their recovery.”
The Speaker added that sittings will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
