The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, delivered an address in the Parliamentary Chamber to emphasize the need to enhance Ghana’s democracy.
His remarks touched on the critical role of Parliament in Ghana’s democratic journey, the rules governing its functions, and the need for greater public understanding of parliamentary processes. He began;
“Listen very well, those of you who have knowledge of what I’m going to say, and feel that you don’t need that information, you are at liberty to move out and engage in whatever you want to do. But I believe that this communication is of extreme value to the development of our democracy in Ghana.”
He underscored that this communication was not solely for MPs but also aimed at the general public, emphasizing the value of such engagements in bridging the gap between Parliament and the people. He referenced a comment he heard on television about a petition submitted to Parliament that did not receive the expected action, attributing such misunderstandings to limited awareness of the rules governing Parliament. He emphasized;
“Not many Ghanaians know that we have rules governing us. And not many people take the time to try to learn those rules. They just sit and think they can communicate with Parliament any how, and Parliament must act.”
Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin Sumana Speaker of Parliament
He highlighted efforts by Parliament to build stronger connections with civil society and the public, but noted that these initiatives were not widely recognized.
In his formal communication, Speaker Bagbin expressed profound gratitude for being re-elected as Speaker, acknowledging the trust placed in him by MPs. He congratulated newly elected MPs saying;
”I extend a special and very warm welcome to you and trust that your career as members of Parliament would be a productive and rewarding one for you, for your constituents, and for the nation as a whole.”
Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin Sumana Speaker of Parliament
Speaker Bagbin provided a detailed explanation of the role of Parliament as one of the three coequal branches of government. He vehemently stated;
“In most modern written constitutions, the chapter on the legislature precedes the chapters on the executive and the judiciary. The logic of this sequencing is that the legislature must first make or enact the law before the executive gets to execute or enforce the law. And then, the judiciary gets to interpret and apply it to resolve specific disputes.”
Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin Sumana Speaker of Parliament
He acknowledged the unique sequencing in Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, where the chapter on the legislature follows that of the executive, reflecting the constitutional order of precedence.
A New Chapter in Ghana’s Democracy
The Speaker described the commencement of Parliament as a pivotal moment in Ghana’s democratic journey, marked by both challenges and opportunities. He then encouraged MPs to seize this opportunity to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s progress.
His remarks served as a call to action for greater public engagement and commitment to democratic principles, emphasizing that the success of Ghana’s democracy depends on the collective efforts of its leaders and citizens. He indicated;
“Some of these communications I do, is to take advantage of the opportunity offered by our rules, to reach out beyond Parliament to the world, and it’s helping people to understand us better than before.”
Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin Sumana Speaker of Parliament
By fostering understanding and collaboration, Speaker Bagbin believes Parliament can strengthen its role as the heartbeat of Ghana’s democracy.
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