Ghana’s Parliament has succumbed to public pressure to drop a plan to construct a new $200m 450-seat chamber.
“Before projects are completed, feasibility studies are done but you would realise that this new chamber is not something that is workable for now,” the acting Director of Public Affairs of Parliament, Mrs Kate Addo, told Accra-based Neat FM.
According to her, the decision by Parliament not to go ahead with the project now does not necessarily mean money has been wasted.
The chamber, which will cost $200 million, has sparked huge public outcry in the West African country supported by an effective social media campaign dubbed: #DropThatChamber.
Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, who strongly supports the construction of the new chamber, told journalists in Accra that majority of those opposing the move are doing so because they do not have relevant information.
“When you listen to all the commentaries, majority of people do not have the relevant information just like some Members of Parliament who have condemned the move also do not have such information,” he said.
Ghana’s president Nana Akufo-Addo is also against the construction of the new chamber in the capital Accra.
ARRESTS
Ghanaian police have released three persons who protested in Parliament on Friday against the new 450-seat chamber under consideration.
The trio believed to be members of the pressure group, Economic Fighters League, led by Ernesto Yeboah, protested in the public gallery during proceedings.
They have been granted bail and are due to report again on Monday.
According to eyewitnesses, they were shouting “we don’t need any new chamber.”
Civil Society Organisations such as the CDD-Ghana and pressure group OccupyGhana have also condemned the idea.
Source: Daily Mail GH
Email Daily Mail GH: stories@dailymailgh.com or
Whatsapp: +233(0)509928122
