The Parliament of Ghana took a significant step towards strengthening its legislative core as the Speaker, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, officially launched a $1,600 million capacity-building project.
This initiative, developed through a partnership with the World Bank and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), is designed to enhance the skills of Members of Parliament and their staff in areas of economic and financial governance.
At the launch, the Speaker expressed his gratitude to both organizations, emphasizing that this collaboration would reinforce Ghana’s democracy and support Parliament in fulfilling its constitutional mandate more effectively.
The project, entitled “Building the Capacity of Parliamentarians for Economic and Financial Governance,” was introduced by representatives from the World Bank and FCDO, who highlighted its importance in modernizing the legislative process.
The Speaker noted that the initiative would deepen existing partnerships between Ghana, the UK, and the international development community.
He underscored that a retooled Parliament would not only improve legislative efficiency but also help restore confidence in democratic governance and promote sound economic oversight.
In welcoming the project, the Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror outlined its potential to expand the engagement between Parliament and development partners. He pointed out that by equipping Parliament with better tools and expertise, the institution would be more capable of discharging its legislative and oversight responsibilities benefiting the entire nation and its citizens.
Representatives from the UK, including H.E. Keith McMahon of FCDO and Ms. Michelle Keane of the World Bank, voiced the importance of continuous development in parliamentary procedures. They emphasized that enhancing MPs' understanding of legislative processes and financial management would foster greater accountability and transparency. According to them, this would help combat corruption and ensure that public funds are managed prudently, aligning with Ghana’s sustainable development goals.
Leaders from both sides of the house, Hon. Mahama Ayariga and Hon. Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin, highlighted the importance of the initiative, describing it as both timely and impactful. They called on committee leaders to assume full responsibility for the project and work steadfastly to ensure its successful rollout. United in purpose, they expressed confidence that this effort would enhance Parliament’s efficiency and contribute significantly to Ghana’s broader development objectives.
