Accra: The Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban Bagbin, has renewed his call for the construction of a permanent Parliamentary complex and urged the Executive to allocate land near the State House for the project. Speaking at the launch of Parliament's Corporate Strategic Plan (2026-2030) in Accra, the Speaker described the current arrangement-where Parliament operates as a tenant at the State House-as limiting and unsuitable for an independent arm of government.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Bagbin cited infrastructural constraints affecting parliamentary work, including restricted access to key facilities within the State House enclave. He noted that some facilities, like the banquet hall, require payment for access. The Speaker also announced that Parliament was piloting an electronic voting system to enhance decision-making processes, which he believes will alleviate challenges faced during decision-making in the House.
Mr Bagbin emphasized the importance of a dedicated Parliamentary complex, stating it would strengthen the independence and operational efficiency of the Legislature, an essential pillar of Ghana's democracy. The Corporate Strategic Plan (2026-2030), he explained, outlines a roadmap for improving Parliament's efficiency, oversight, and public service delivery, envisioning an inclusive and proactive Legislature grounded in constitutional principles and supported by evidence-based decision-making.
Highlighting five focus areas-legislative management, parliamentary oversight and accountability, parliamentary representation, parliamentary diplomacy, and parliamentary support services-Mr Bagbin reiterated Parliament's commitment to strengthening democracy, transparency, and accountability. He urged citizens to hold public officials accountable, emphasizing that good governance requires vigilance from all.
The Speaker noted that the plan was developed through extensive consultation with civil society, development partners, and other stakeholders, describing it as an ambitious strategic plan reliant on effective implementation. Mr Bernard Ahiafor, the First Deputy Speaker, and Chairman of the Steering Committee, stated that the new plan aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the African Union Agenda 2063, and Ghana's medium- to long-term development objectives.
Mr Ahiafor outlined key programme areas, including strengthening legislative scrutiny, enhancing the capacity of Members of Parliament (MPs), promoting evidence-based lawmaking, and improving oversight of government policies and expenditure. He explained that the plan adopts a programme-based approach, allowing better tracking, accountability, and linkage between daily activities and strategic goals.
The Steering Committee comprises Madam Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui, Mr Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Mr Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, Mr Richmond Edem Kofi Kpotosu, and Mr Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah. Mrs Patricia Appiagyei, the Deputy Minority Leader, pledged her Caucus's support for the strategic plan's effective implementation, while the Majority Leader, Mr Mahama Ayariga, expressed confidence in the homegrown plan, developed based on broad consultation with the citizenry. He assured the Majority Caucus's commitment to ensuring its success, aiming to enhance the performance of Parliament members in their legislative, advocacy, and oversight roles.