Rt. Hon Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, has underscored the need for substantial state investment in local infrastructure for Parliament.
Speaking at the Speaker’s Breakfast Forum held at Alisa Hotel, North Ridge, Accra, with the theme “Thirty Years of Parliamentary Democracy Under the Fourth Republic: Reflections on Citizens’ Engagement and the Way Forward,” Speaker Bagbin emphasized the importance of making Parliament more visible and accessible across the nation.
Highlighting the current disparity in visibility between Parliament and other governmental institutions like the Judiciary and the Executive, Bagbin stressed the necessity of fully integrating Parliament into the fabric of the nation.
He proposed the establishment of regional and constituency offices for Members of Parliament to facilitate better engagement with constituents and address local issues effectively.
Citing the existing challenge where MPs’ interactions with constituents are often limited to private spaces such as their homes or party offices, Bagbin emphasized that the lack of formal, dedicated spaces for parliamentary engagement has resulted in a disconnect between Parliament, MPs, and citizens.
“The only places constituents can find them is their homes or party offices, be it dawn or dusk for other constituents who do not belong to the party or parties cannot go there. When such MPs leave Parliament, the offices are closed. Because these are private investments, the new MP would have to find his or her own office space,” he continued.
According to the Speaker, this disconnect has led to a lack of recognition of the value and work of Parliament and its members.
Expressing the need for sustained investment in local infrastructure for Parliament, Bagbin elucidated how such an initiative would significantly influence citizens’ understanding and appreciation of Ghana’s parliamentary democracy.
He stressed the importance of creating a tangible presence for Parliament at regional and constituency levels to bridge the gap that currently exists.
He also highlighted ongoing reforms in Parliament, including restructuring the Parliamentary Public Affairs Department and emphasising public engagement and media relations.
These changes, he noted, are geared toward enhancing public understanding of parliamentary proceedings and fostering evidence-based decision-making.
Speaker Bagbin emphasized the critical role of institutionalized engagement with all stakeholders in shaping informed decision-making within Parliament.
Read also: Post-budget workshop discussion will underpin decisions to create opportunities – Ofori Atta
Source: Eric Sekyi/ATLFMNEWS
