The Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has asked parliament to be transparent with the people of Ghana regarding the status of lawmakers who have tested for COVID-19.

The Speaker of Parliament, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye said on Wednesday that nobody can unilaterally disclose the health status of another person except the individual voluntarily does so after it was revealed that two MPs and 13 staff of the legislature have tested positive for COVID-19 after mandatory testing.

On Tuesday, 26 May 2020, Parliament released a statement denying reports that some lawmakers had tested positive.

But in a post on Facebook on Wednesday, 27 May 2020, the North Tongu MP stated that “there should be nothing to hide”.

According to him, Parliament should lead by example and in a way that avoids entrenching stigmatization, which is becoming a major challenge in the national coronavirus response.”

He noted that COVID-19 is not a death sentence hence, parliament should set a better example.

Mr Ablakwa’s full post was: “As I noted earlier today on the floor of Parliament though with some resistance from the Rt. Hon. Speaker, which I take in stride, I am totally disappointed in how the COVID-19 testing of MPs and Staff of the House has been managed.

“There should be nothing to hide. Let us lead by example and in a way that avoids entrenching stigmatization which is becoming a major challenge in the national coronavirus response.

“Many world leaders and institutions of repute have not concealed the result of their tests, the Ghanaian Parliament shouldn’t be an unworthy exception.

“Even more troubling; by refusing to be transparent we shall fail to observe the urgently needed contact tracing and disinfecting protocols thereby endangering the health of those associated with Parliament including all MPs, staff, journalists, family relations, guests of Parliament and our constituents, many of whom we continue to engage very regularly.

“COVID-19 is not a death sentence. Let the august House set a better example!”