As the 8th Parliament of Ghana prepares to bow out, the former United Nations Governance Expert, Prof. Baffour Agyeman-Duah, offered a reflective assessment of its performance.
His emphasis provided a comprehensive view of how the 8th Parliament has advanced Ghana’s democracy, noting both its positive strides and challenges.
Prof. Agyeman-Duah eulogized the Speaker of the 8th Parliament Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin Kingsford Sumana for the several challenges faced, yet was able to navigate the institution’s dynamics.
“Certainly, the 8th Parliament was very unique in our democracy. In the sense that, the first time that we had the hung parliament, and the first time that we had a speaker who didn’t belong to the ruling party. And so there were so many interesting tests with this particular Parliament. And consequently, the closeness of membership in Parliament affected the work of the Parliament in some positive ways and some other ways maybe, not so positive way.”
Prof. Baffour Agyeman-Duah, Former United Nations Governance Expert
However, he lauded the Speaker’s ability to handle these situations with wit and humor. He remarked;
“Overall, I think there are so many positive ways – I have a lot of admiration for Bagbin just for the way he [Bagbin] was able to handle this situation to the best of his [ability].”
Prof. Baffour Agyeman-Duah, Former United Nations Governance Expert
Prof. Agyeman-Duah observed; “At times, of course, he was overbearing we know all that. But overall, I think the Speaker did well in the 8th Parliament.”
The 8th Parliament achieved significant milestones in governance and legislation. Prof. Agyeman-Duah highlighted the introduction of private members’ bills as a landmark event, a historic to Ghana’s democracy.
According to him, his [Bagbin] innovation enabled Parliament to independently initiate bills, marking a significant shift in legislative power.
One such private members’ bill was the controversial LGBTQ+ bill, which he noted sparked intense national and international debates.
Moreover, Prof. Agyeman-Duah commended the efforts of certain Members of Parliament who championed this cause, noting, “a member of Parliament [ Sam George] who really spearheaded this fight and did it so well by representing Ghanaians internationally on the media.” The opposition in the 8th Parliament played a crucial role in holding the executive accountable.
Additionally, he particularly acknowledges the efforts of Hon. Ablakwa Okudzeto MP for North Tongu Constituency, who persistently pushed for transparency in governance, especially concerning financial matters like the Agyapa Royalties deal.
Institutional Challenges and Achievements
He acknowledged that the 8th Parliament was not too successful because getting to its end, Ghanaians were worried about the manner in which things went on within the institution, such that it brought about serious cracks in the institution and impacted national policy.
However, he remains optimistic about the Parliament’s overall performance, concluding, “In the end, I think we have successfully come to the conclusion of the 8th Parliament.” He eulogized;
“From the Speaker who came from the party of the minority, to be very assertive and demand accountability in many forms, it was a first time in our republic.”
Prof. Baffour Agyeman-Duah, Former United Nations Governance Expert
Prof. Baffour Agyeman-Duah’s assessment of the 8th Parliament underscores its critical role in advancing Ghana’s democracy through innovative legislation and robust opposition.
While challenges remain, the achievements of this Parliament set a precedent for future legislative bodies.
In sum, the 8th Parliament has navigated a delicate balance between governance and accountability, leaving a legacy of both success and lessons for improvement.
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