Don’t disrespect our rules – Parliament to Ghanaians

Parliament has reminded users of its public gallery to be mindful of rules and regulations governing the conduct of activities in the House.

This caution follows the arrest and detention of the Convener of the Economic Fighters League, Ernesto Yeboah and two others who picketed in the chamber on Friday.

The three are said to have breached security in the Chamber of Parliament when in the middle of deliberations, they began shouting 'drop that chamber', attracting the attention of MPs.

The group was protesting plans by the House to construct a new Parliamentary complex.

They started chanting 'Drop that chamber” after MP for Asokwa, K.T. Hammond, justified the controversial plan.

Parliament, in explaining its decision to cause the arrest of the three said the rules of the House do not permit “any stranger admitted to the public gallery to take part in the proceedings in any form or shape.”

“Parliament will like to remind citizens who come to the public gallery to be mindful of the rules and regulations governing the conduct of the public in the gallery.

“Parliament is not seeking to lock horns with the general public on any matter. What the House seeks to do is to positively engage citizens in fruitful discussion that will inure to the benefit of the country and Parliament and the citizens in particular,” portions of the statement added.

The proposal for the new Chamber, with a sitting capacity of about 450 Members of Parliament is expected to house facilities including diplomatic offices, a library, a museum, a church, a mosque, eateries, press conference rooms, galleries, a car park, an upper gallery garden, a post office and other facilities to complete the Parliamentary enclave.

But most Ghanaians are not happy with the decision.

Below is the full statement from Parliament: