Ghana’s Decentralisation Drive: A Step Closer to Inclusive Governance

Accra: Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has emphasised the need for collective efforts to empower all citizens, particularly women, youth, and marginalised groups, to ensure a meaningful political decentralisation in Ghana. 'We must recommit ourselves not just in words but in action towards a decentralized system that truly brings development to the doorstep of every community, leaving nobody behind,' he said. According to Ghana News Agency, Speaker Bagbin made the remarks at the 2026 edition of the Speaker's Breakfast Forum (SBF), organised by the Office of Parliament in partnership with the STAR-Ghana Foundation in Accra. The event, themed 'Parliamentary Decentralization: Taking Parliament Closer to the People,' brought together key stakeholders, including Members of Parliament, District Assemblies, academia, traditional leaders, and civil society organisations, to deliberate on decentralization. Speaker Bagbin highlighted Ghana's progress in decentralization since 1993, noting that ref orms were needed to address the changing parliamentary landscape. He acknowledged Parliament's strides in openness and announced that plans were underway to extend parliamentary engagement to local government structures, with initiatives like live broadcasts, sign language interpretation, and outreach programs. Dr. Wisdom Agape Newman, an expert in Public Administration, presented on behalf of Professor Badu Agyeman, outlining actionable proposals to guide the national conversation on decentralization. He emphasized steps like validating the concept, establishing a working group, and developing a rollout framework. Mr. Ibrahim-Tanko Amidu, the Executive Director of STAR-Ghana Foundation, stated that the SBF was a vital platform for discussing critical national issues that focused on decentralizing Parliament and enhancing citizen engagement. He highlighted the importance of inclusive dialogue and addressing challenges like citizen disconnection and limited knowledge of parliamentary functions. Mr. Ahmed Ib rahim, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, underscored parliamentary decentralisation as a constitutional necessity for inclusive and accountable governance. He mentioned challenges faced by MPs in representing their constituents to promote decentralization. Mr. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader, and Mr. Kweku George Ricketts-Hagan, the Deputy Majority Leader, both emphasised that parliamentary decentralization could enhance oversight, strengthen citizen engagement, and build institutional trust. Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, the Clerk to Parliament, and Mr. Andrew Amoako Assiamah, the Second Deputy Speaker, also contributed, stressing the need for constructive dialogue, inclusivity, and responsiveness to strengthen Parliament's role in decentralisation. They highlighted the decentralisation drive as a reaffirmation of democratic values and a promise to make government more accessible to all Ghanaians.