Speaker of Parliament, Prof Mike Oquaye has established that Parliament’s idea of moving to the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) to observe social distancing during the outbreak of coronavirus proves that a new chamber is needed.

The speaker said Ghanaians must realize from all indications that Parliament is in need of a more spacious place.

Ghanaians last year opposed the construction of a new chamber, describing it as insensitive, they forced parliament to abandon plans to build a new $200 million chamber.

But Mr Mike Oquaye believes that it is time Ghanaians show mercy and reconsider the decision.

“As the Majority Leader suggested, the other day, we are in the process of making all relevant arrangements if we can relocate temporarily to the conference centre…and carry on. Maybe, this would make people realise that Parliament is in need of a more spacious place,” he stated.

Meanwhile, as part of measures to prevent the possible spread of coronavirus, the Speaker has directed that all staff and members of parliament who recently travelled to infected countries must self-quarantine themselves upon return.

Also, one more person has died of coronavirus in Ghana bringing the total number of recorded deaths from the virus to two and the number of confirmed cases to 27.