Ghana’s Parliament has reaffirmed its dedication to transparency, inclusive governance, and gender equality as it commemorated the International Day of Parliamentarianism on June 30 with a series of high-impact events at Parliament House in Accra.
The triple celebration, observed under the global theme set by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), included the launch of Ghana’s Open Parliament Action Plan, the inauguration of the Ghana Open Parliament Steering Committee, and a ceremonial observance of the Day of Parliamentarianism.
“An Occasion for Reflection and Renewal” – Bagbin
Delivering the keynote address, Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin described the occasion as a moment of introspection and recommitment to parliamentary ideals. Citing Socrates, he stated, “An unexamined life is not worth living,” and added, “As the Ga say, Wogbɛ Jɛkɛ – We have come a long way.”
Reflecting on Ghana’s 32 years of democratic progress under the Fourth Republic, the Speaker praised the nation’s strides in institutionalising democratic governance, inclusion, and public accountability.
Open Governance at the Core
Mr. Bagbin highlighted the strategic alignment of the three events with Ghana’s commitments under the Open Government Partnership (OGP). The newly launched Open Parliament Action Plan rests on four key pillars: transparency, accountability, citizen participation, and innovation. It aims to address challenges such as limited public engagement, low youth and female participation, and perceptions of inaccessibility in the legislative process.
He expressed confidence in the newly inaugurated Steering Committee, describing it as diverse, capable, and well-positioned to drive implementation of the action plan.
Acknowledging Progress, Addressing Gaps
While commending the country’s peaceful political transitions, legislative advances like the Right to Information Act, and enhanced oversight functions, the Speaker also acknowledged existing gaps—particularly in gender representation.
Addressing this year’s IPU theme, “Achieving Gender Equality, Action by Action,” Mr. Bagbin described Ghana’s global ranking—137th out of 168 countries in female parliamentary representation—as "a sobering reality."
“From 8% in 1995 to just 14.6% in 2025, we have made progress, but not fast enough,” he said. “Compared to other African countries, we are lagging behind. The time has come for bold, intentional efforts to break the cultural and systemic barriers that limit women’s leadership.”
He underscored the importance of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121), which mandates a phased quota system for women in governance. “Parliament must lead by example. Political parties must comply. And we must ensure strict implementation,” he said.
Strengthening Women’s Representation and Civic Engagement
The Speaker called for enhanced support for the Women’s Caucus in Parliament, proposing a dedicated budget and greater involvement in legislative planning. He also proposed a nationwide civic education campaign to promote women’s political participation and public engagement.
“The Citizens’ Bureau Office under the Open Government Partnership offers an ideal platform to foster transparency and continuous citizen engagement,” he noted.
A Call to Collective Responsibility
Quoting former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, Mr. Bagbin reminded attendees: “Partnership is not mere posturing; it is an ongoing process defined by shared goals and collective commitment.”
He closed his address with a powerful appeal to the Ghanaian public: “This is your Parliament—your home. Use the Right to Information Law. Engage with your MPs. Take ownership of the democratic process. Be part of the transformation.”
With that, the Open Parliament Action Plan was officially launched, and the Steering Committee inaugurated, ushering in a renewed era of openness, accountability, and citizen-centered governance in Ghana’s parliamentary history.
“Let us recommit to building a Ghana where Parliament stands out across Africa as the most open, accountable, and responsive institution—a Ghana where every citizen feels seen, heard, and empowered,” the Speaker concluded.
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem