The British High Commissioner to Ghana, H.E. Harriet Thompson has paid a courtesy call on the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin to explore ways of enhancing diplomatic ties between Ghana and the United Kingdom.
The discussions focused on the priorities of Ghana's new government and explored areas for potential collaboration between the two countries. Her remarks also touched on Parliamentary friendship association, gender and women empowerment.
In his remarks, the Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin indicated that, he was happy for her visit as it will not only deepen the diplomatic relations between the two countries but also between the Parliaments of both countries.
He stressed that, Africa holds great potential to lead in development projects, noting that the continent is well-resourced to achieve meaningful progress. The Speaker indicated that, as part of Parliament’s strategic initiative, some offices such as the Anti-corruption, Budget and Fiscal Analysis and the External Support Office has been established.
He bemoaned the high attrition rate in parliament as well as the low female representation as it does not augur well for parliamentary democracy.
The Majority Leader, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, highlighted pressing challenges in waste management across Ghana and appealed for collaboration and structural reforms on how to improve urban sanitation systems.
The Second Minority Whip, Hon. Jerry Ahmed Shaib, MP for Weija-Gbawe, echoed the concerns raised by the Majority Leader. He however, emphasized the importance of economic cooperation and maintaining debt sustainability.
