The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has engaged civil society organizations (CSOs) and think tanks in a discussion aimed at fostering transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance.
At a forum attended by representatives of about fifty CSOs, Speaker Bagbin underscored the need for a governance model that moves beyond traditional democracy, advocating for inclusivity and participatory governance.
He emphasized that civil society must remain a vital pillar in shaping national policies, providing research, and holding leaders accountable.
The Speaker acknowledged the pivotal role of CSOs in advancing parliamentary reforms, citing their contributions to anti-corruption initiatives and local government restructuring.
He also praised the efforts of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Caucus, which continues to champion transparency and 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 continuous partnership with civil society,” he said.
Bagbin also used the opportunity to call for stronger gender equity measures in governance. He urged stakeholders to support the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121), stressing the need for greater female representation in decision-making.
Commending civil society for its unwavering commitment, Speaker Bagbin presented copies of the Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament to CSOs, reinforcing their role in ensuring accountability among lawmakers.
The forum was attended by key Members of Parliament, 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 present were the Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, Deputy Clerk (IMS), Dr./Mrs. Gloria S. Kumawu, and other parliamentary officials.
Among the participating CSOs were IMANI Africa, Ghana Integrity Initiative, Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Parliamentary Network Africa, Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), Star Ghana, ACEPA, Media Foundation for West Africa, Gender Center for Empowering Development, Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED), Legal Resource Centre, and Youth Advocate Ghana.
This engagement marks a significant step in Ghana’s democratic journey, reinforcing the idea that governance should be a shared responsibility between the state and its people.
