The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, recently hosted an informal engagement session with first-time Members of Parliament, aimed at fostering collaboration and open dialogue between his office and Ghana’s newest legislators.
He revealed that the initiative would soon extend to senior MPs, the media, and the general public through televised sessions, reinforcing his vision for a transparent and people-centred Parliament.
In his address, the Speaker emphasized the importance of cultivating a democratic culture rooted in integrity, civility, and active participation. He encouraged establishing a mentorship system, allowing experienced legislators to guide newcomers and ensure continuity of institutional memory.
“Parliament has matured over the years, moving from rigid, confrontational partisanship toward a more cooperative multiparty environment,” he said. “This shift requires MPs to uphold their party values while keeping national interest at the heart of their service.”
On partisanship, he noted, “Partisanship itself is not a threat to democracy; it becomes harmful only when misused. Ghana has consciously chosen a multiparty system, and differing viewpoints are essential to its strength.”
The Speaker urged MPs to specialise in select legislative areas, especially committee work, stressing that “the engine of Parliament is committee business, and only through diligent research, preparation, and participation can MPs deliver meaningful representation at both the committee and plenary levels.”
Clarifying constitutional matters, Bagbin explained that the privileges and immunities of MPs “are not personal favours but safeguards for the people’s voice, meant to ensure that national representatives discharge their duties without undue interference.”
He also highlighted neglected provisions regarding the welfare of local assembly members and pledged to revitalise structures that strengthen decentralisation, insisting that Parliament—not the Executive—must constitutionally determine allocations such as the District Assemblies Common Fund.
He shared his aspiration for Ghana’s Parliament to become a globally admired institution, stating, “We must embrace unity in diversity and reject narratives that sow division.”
On criticisms about his attire, he responded with cultural pride, noting that “Ghana’s parliamentary dress reflects our heritage and tradition.”
Concluding his remarks, Speaker Bagbin commended the MPs for their contributions and assured them of continued support in their growth as leaders, upholding ethics, and achieving legislative excellence.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
