The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has acknowledged the strong and lasting partnership between the Parliaments of the UK and Ghana, emphasizing its vital role in Ghana’s democratic development.
However, he called for greater support to help Parliament effectively oversee the executive branch. Speaker Bagbin urged the UK government to strengthen its assistance to Ghana’s Parliament, especially in the area of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
He emphasized the need for support as Ghana works toward a paperless Parliament, expressing the desire to modernize parliamentary procedures in line with international standards. Additionally, he recognized the important role of the UK government in supporting reforms within Ghana’s Parliament, highlighting current initiatives aimed at improving the institution’s capacity with a long-term goal of enhancing Parliament’s oversight functions.
Speaker Bagbin made these comments during a meeting with Baroness Jenny Chapman, the UK Minister for International Development, who visited Parliament House to gain insights into the effects of UK assistance to Ghana Parliament.
In her address, Baroness Chapman commended the partnership as an exemplary model of collaboration and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to continued support for Ghana’s democratic institutions. She acknowledged the significant progress made by Ghana’s Parliament, highlighting that while there is still work to be done, impressive advances have been achieved in establishing a robust and functional parliamentary system. She expressed anticipation in learning more about the impacts of their support and identifying avenues for further building on existing successes.
The long-standing partnership between the UK and Ghana centres on strengthening democratic institutions, promoting inclusive governance, and encouraging evidence-based policymaking. This relationship emphasises the mutual commitment to advancing transparency, accountability, and good governance.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Kwabena Nyarko Abronoma
