Ghanaian Member of Parliament (MP) and Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has advocated for the establishment of a dedicated hospital for parliamentarians and a new parliamentary chamber with enhanced security. Speaking during the inauguration of the Parliamentary Service Board for the ninth Parliament in March 2025, Afenyo-Markin highlighted the unique challenges MPs face regarding healthcare access and security, emphasizing the need for targeted solutions to address these concerns. He believes these initiatives would significantly improve the well-being and effectiveness of the legislative branch.
Afenyo-Markin underscored the sensitivity surrounding the health of public figures, especially those in the political arena. He argued that the constant public scrutiny faced by MPs makes it difficult for them to seek medical care privately without compromising confidentiality. This often necessitates expensive trips abroad for medical treatment to ensure privacy. A dedicated parliamentary hospital, in his view, would offer a secure and discreet environment for MPs to address their health needs, safeguarding their privacy while reducing the financial burden of seeking treatment overseas. This, he believes, would ultimately benefit the parliament and the nation by ensuring the health and well-being of its elected representatives.
The proposal for a parliamentary hospital aims to address the unique vulnerability of MPs concerning healthcare access. The political nature of their roles often subjects their health information to public speculation and scrutiny. This can lead to a reluctance to seek timely medical attention, potentially impacting their performance and even posing a risk to their lives. A dedicated facility would offer a confidential and convenient alternative, allowing MPs to prioritize their health without fear of undue public exposure or misinterpretation of their health status. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of ensuring the Parliament can function optimally with healthy and well-supported members.
Furthermore, Afenyo-Markin advocated for a new parliamentary chamber equipped with enhanced security measures. Citing the example of the British Parliament, he pointed out vulnerabilities in the existing Ghanaian chamber, particularly the lack of sufficient protection against potential threats from the public gallery. He expressed concern that the current setup allows individuals to easily access and potentially disrupt parliamentary proceedings, putting MPs at risk. A modern, purpose-built chamber, in his view, would not only reflect the importance of the legislative arm of government but also provide a safe and secure environment for MPs to conduct their duties without fear of intimidation or harm.
The call for a new parliamentary chamber underlines the need for a secure and functional legislative space that befits the stature of the Parliament. Afenyo-Markin argues that the current infrastructure inadequately protects MPs from potential security threats, and a modern facility is essential to safeguard the integrity and continuity of parliamentary proceedings. The proposed new chamber would ideally incorporate advanced security features, including controlled access points, enhanced surveillance systems, and robust physical barriers, minimizing the risk of disruptions or attacks and ensuring a safe and conducive environment for legislative work.
In essence, Afenyo-Markin’s proposals for a dedicated hospital and a new chamber represent a call for enhanced support and security for MPs. He argues that these measures are crucial not only for the well-being of individual parliamentarians but also for the effective functioning of the Parliament as a whole. By addressing the unique challenges faced by MPs in accessing healthcare and ensuring their safety within the parliamentary premises, these initiatives aim to strengthen the legislative branch of government, enabling it to better serve the interests of the nation. The proposals are presented as investments in the future of Ghana’s democracy, ensuring that the Parliament can operate efficiently and securely in the years to come.
