Parliamentary oversight is a crucial aspect of democratic governance, ensuring that the executive branch is accountable for its actions and decisions.
In Ghana, the legislative body plays a vital role in promoting transparency, good governance, and representation of citizens’ interests.
Parliamentary oversight ensures accountability by scrutinizing the executive’s actions and decisions.
Through parliamentary questions, debates, and investigations, lawmakers hold the executive accountable for its policies, programs, and spending.
This promotes transparency and ensures that the executive acts in the best interests of Ghanaians.
Accordingly, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP for North Tongu, clarified that his role as a legislator necessitates holding authorities accountable, which is exactly what he did by shedding light on the Bank of Ghana’s transaction with Liberia.
Hon. Ablakwa emphasized that in doing so, he was performing his duty to ensure transparency and good governance.
The MP emphasized that disclosing the $20 million transfer from the Bank of Ghana to the Central Bank of Liberia did not compromise any sensitive security information, and therefore, he did not breach any confidentiality protocols.
“It is part of our work as Member of Parliament to carry out oversight to let all institutions know that we are on top of our job. We are watching, we are keenly monitoring and we are carrying out oversight”.
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
Hon. Ablakwa stated that he posted the issue on social media purely for informational purposes, seeking to understand the circumstances surrounding the transaction and not to insinuate any impropriety.
He emphasized that parliamentary oversight promotes good governance by encouraging the executive to adhere to democratic principles.
As such, by reviewing policies and laws, lawmakers ensure that they align with national interests and do not infringe on citizens’ rights.
This serves as a vital check on authority, preventing the misuse of power and upholding the principles of accountability, transparency, and the rule of law.
Balancing Oversight And National Security
Furthermore, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa acknowledged the importance of balancing oversight responsibilities with the need to protect national security interests.
Hon. Ablakwa explained that the inclusion of flight details in the shared documents was an unfortunate mistake, and not a deliberate attempt to disclose sensitive information.
He maintained that the funds in question were secure and had not been compromised, and therefore, he failed to see the basis for the concerns about national security.
“They [BoG] put out those details in their document. In my write-up, I didn’t put out any flight details and there have been no flight details as and when that re-exportation will be carried out. We are carrying out our mandate, it is pure oversight and I do not see a national security breach in this matter”.
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
The legislator emphasized that, given the recent surge in money laundering cases, he was fulfilling his duty as a Member of Parliament to scrutinize this specific transaction and prevent it from potentially becoming another instance of illicit financial activity.
Meanwhile, he expressed satisfaction with the clarifications provided by the Bank of Ghana (BoG) and the Liberian government, indicating that their explanations had adequately addressed his concerns, thereby fulfilling his oversight objectives.
He indicated that parliamentary oversight represents the interests of citizens by providing a platform for their voices to be heard.
As such, parliamentary oversight strengthens Ghana’s democratic system by promoting accountability, transparency, and representation.
By exercising its oversight powers, the legislative body ensures that power is distributed evenly, preventing authoritarianism and promoting democratic consolidation.
Thus, parliamentary oversight is essential for Ghana’s democratic development. By ensuring accountability, transparency, and representation, lawmakers promote good governance, prevent abuse of power, and strengthen democratic institutions.
As Ghana continues to consolidate its democracy, parliamentary oversight remains a critical component of its governance architecture.
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