Accra, Ghana – The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has engaged with civil society organisations (CSOs) and think tanks in a high-level dialogue aimed at strengthening collaboration and reinforcing Parliament’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and citizen participation.
Addressing a forum attended by approximately fifty CSOs, Speaker Bagbin emphasized the need for a governance system that extends beyond traditional democracy, advocating for inclusivity and participatory governance where civil society serves as a core pillar.
He highlighted the critical role of CSOs in strengthening democracy through research and data-driven policymaking.
The Speaker referenced key parliamentary initiatives, including anti-corruption measures and local government reforms, which have been significantly influenced by civil society input.
He also acknowledged the efforts of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Caucus in championing open governance in Ghana.
“With Ghana’s top ranking in the 2022 Africa Open Parliament Index, these reforms reflect Parliament’s commitment to enhancing its democratic processes through a continuous partnership with civil society,” he stated.
Speaker Bagbin further called for increased efforts toward gender equity in governance and urged support for the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121).
He commended civil society for its role in making Parliament one of the most transparent institutions in Africa and presented copies of the Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament to CSOs to aid their efforts in holding legislators accountable.
Several Members of Parliament were present at the forum, including Hon. Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, MP for Ho West and Chairman of the OGP Caucus; Hon. Emmanuel Akwasi Acquah, MP for Akim Oda and Vice Chair of the OGP Caucus; Hon. Agyeman Prempeh, MP for Ahafo Ano North; and Hon. Abednego Bandim, MP for Bunkpurugu.
Also in attendance were the Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror; Deputy Clerk (IMS), Dr./Mrs. Gloria S. Kumawu; and other officials of the Parliamentary Service.
Participating CSOs included IMANI Africa, the Ghana Integrity Initiative, the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-GH), Parliamentary Network Africa, the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), Star Ghana, ACEPA, the Media Foundation for West Africa, the Gender Center for Empowering Development, the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED), the Legal Resource Centre, and Youth Advocate Ghana.
The engagement underscored Parliament’s commitment to fostering open governance and reinforcing civil society’s role in the country’s democratic process.
Report By: Robicon Mornahson
