All 275 Members of Parliament as well as all staff of the legislature are to undergo mandatory testing for COVID-19, Speaker Prof Mike Oquaye ordered on Tuesday, 19 May 2020 when the House resumed sitting.

It is part of the measures instituted by the Parliamentary Service Board to ensure the virus does not spread within the legislative community.

Welcoming the MPs back, Prof Oquaye said: “While there is no scientifically-approved vaccine, we should adhere to all laid-down hygiene protocols, which are requisite for keeping us safe”.

“In addition to observing the established protocols”, Prof Oquaye said: “I have directed the authority of the Parliamentary Service Board, the Clerk of Parliament and Parliament’s medical officers, to liaise with the appropriate institutions to immediately conduct testing of all honourable members and staff of the parliamentary service for COVID-19 and I request your co-operation in this enterprise”.

Meanwhile, Ghana’s COVID-19 caseload is now 5,918, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has reported.

The total number of recoveries remains the same – 1,754.

Also, two more patients have died to bring the death toll to 31.

Regional breakdown

Greater Accra Region - 4,422

Ashanti Region - 881

Central Region - 212

Eastern Region - 100

Western Region - 98

Western North Region - 57

Volta Region - 41

Northern Region - 31

Oti Region - 26

Upper East Region - 26

Upper West Region - 21

North East Region - 2

Bono Region - 1

Savannah Region - 0

Ahafo Region - 0

Bono East Region - 0