Accra:Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has urged Members of Parliament (MPs) to transcend partisan interests and collaborate in the national interest. This comes as the House commenced the Third Meeting of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament on Tuesday.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Bagbin emphasized the significance of the meeting, highlighting key issues like the 2027 Budget Statement, constitutional reforms, and other legislative business that are expected to dominate proceedings over the next eight weeks.
Mr. Bagbin reminded MPs that their engagements with constituents during the recess are integral to their parliamentary duties and should inform their deliberations. He addressed the House’s demanding workload, which includes the consideration of 11 bills, nine legislative instruments, 44 papers, 582 committee referrals, 58 motions, and over 200 outstanding parliamentary questions.
He called on committee chairpersons and members to expedite work on referrals and submit reports within the stipulated timelines to ensure effective scrutiny of government policies, programs, and budget estimates. A major focus will be the anticipated Constitution Amendment Bill, aimed at revising several non-entrenched provisions of the 1992 Constitution.
Mr. Bagbin stressed the need for constitutional reforms to be pursued through broad national consensus, noting the Constitution as the collective property of the Ghanaian people. He also urged MPs to seriously consider the proposed Parliament Bill and Budget Bill to modernize Parliament's legal framework and enhance oversight of public finances.
Regarding the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, the Speaker committed to advancing the necessary motion to rescind the earlier decision at the third reading stage and conclude consideration during the meeting.
He cautioned against the frequent suspension of Standing Orders to speed up legislation, underlining the importance of thorough scrutiny for sound and constitution-compliant laws. Concerned about declining standards of public discourse, Mr. Bagbin warned of stricter enforcement of rules on decorum and parliamentary language to maintain the dignity of the House.
The Speaker announced plans to deepen Parliament's digital transformation through a biometric attendance system and piloting electronic voting, while exploring the use of artificial intelligence in parliamentary work. He highlighted technology's role in building a more efficient, transparent, and accountable legislature.