2Million March suspends 'Dropthatchamber' street protest

Gifty Obenewaa Owusu Politics Jul - 09 - 2019 , 11:45

The 2Million March, a social media movement that has been mounting pressure on Parliament to disband the proposed construction of a new Parliamentary chamber, has decided to suspend its "Dropthatchamber" street protest.

The group had planned to hit the streets on Saturday, July 13, 2019, but following latest developments with an announcement that Parliament was suspending the project due to public disagreement, it has served notice to discontinue the street protest.

The 2Million March, initiated by Rasheeda Adams, emerged on social media as a pressure movement following Parliament's decision to construct a new chamber that will be able to accommodate 450 Members of Parliament (MPs) at a cost of US$200 million.

The current chamber accommodates 275 MPs.

The movement gained attention from all sections of the Ghanaian public with hashtag "DropThatChamber". Many people pledged their support to participate in the demonstration.

Many civil society organisations, as well as some politicians, including some current and past MPs, have all spoken against the proposed new Parliamentary chamber.

Following the various discussions on the issue, the Parliamentary Service Board (PSB) issued a statement that Parliament has suspended the project because most Ghanaians did not find the 450-seater chamber appropriate, due to the state’s limited resources.

A statement issued and signed by the Convener of the 2Million March, Rasheeda Adams on Tuesday, July 9, 2019, said the movement has "accepted the suspension with care and promise to be vigilant in demanding accountability from government."