Accra: The Parliament of Ghana and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their partnership in promoting democracy, transparency, and accountability. "Your partnership has been invaluable, and your continuous support is deeply appreciated," Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin remarked at the Parliament House in Accra.
According to Ghana News Agency, Speaker Bagbin made these comments during a roundtable discussion involving the leadership of Ghana's Parliament, UK Minister for International Development Baroness Chapman, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, and other civil society organizations. The meeting served as a platform for Baroness Chapman to gain insights from Ghana's governance experience and appreciate the UK's longstanding support to the country. It also aimed to strengthen bilateral ties and reaffirm the UK's commitment to supporting Ghana's democratic and governance reforms.
The collaboration between the two parliaments has led to several initiatives, including transforming the statistical office, revising standing orders, and establishing new committees focused on finance, human rights, and anti-corruption. These efforts have resulted in more transparent public spending and stronger legislative oversight. The partnership aims to deepen democracy and improve governance in Ghana, with a focus on areas like constitutional reform, gender equity, and citizen engagement.
Speaker Bagbin expressed gratitude for the enduring relationship between the parliaments and recalled the UK's critical support in 2007 for establishing the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament, now a vibrant oversight body. He highlighted the UK's technical and financial assistance in creating the Office of Budget and Fiscal Analysis and the Parliamentary Training Institute, aimed at strengthening Parliament's public financial oversight.
Other UK-supported initiatives include the review of the Standing Orders of the House, leading to new finance-related committees and the establishment of departments like the Citizens Bureau and Media Relations. These efforts aim to enhance accountability and transparency. The UK government has also supported key institutions, such as the Bank of Ghana and the Ghana Statistical Service, along with civil society organizations like the Starr Ghana Foundation.
On constitutional reforms, Speaker Bagbin was optimistic about the UK's support for Ghana's ongoing review of the 1992 Constitution. He also called for support towards mainstreaming gender equity in the country's national life. Madam Chapman emphasized the importance of parliaments being visible and accountable to citizens, acknowledging the global challenges of women's participation and democratic engagement.
Mr. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader, stressed the need for greater support in building lawmakers' capacity to perform oversight functions effectively. He urged political actors to move away from excuses often accompanying government changes and emphasized improved human rights protections. Reflecting on past political dynamics, he noted the Minority Caucus's determination to return to government.
Mr. Kweku George Ricketts-Hagan, Deputy Majority Leader, called for a strengthened partnership between the Ghana and UK parliaments to promote democracy and good governance, focusing on constitutional reform, gender equity, and sustainable development. He advocated for initiatives to enhance transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement.
Dr. Johnson Asiamah, Governor of the Bank of Ghana, assured continued collaboration with Parliament in strengthening oversight, acknowledging the Bank as a major beneficiary of UK assistance. In collaboration with the World Bank, the UK government launched a project valued at £800,000 in June to build Ghanaian parliamentarians' capacity, enhance oversight, accelerate legislative review, and promote fiscal discipline. The 18-month program aims to promote transparency and accountability.