Help Me to Transform Ghana’s Parliament- Speaker urges New Parliamentary Services Board

The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, has charged the newly constituted Parliamentary Service Board to assist in transforming Ghana’s Parliament to better serve the country’s parliamentary democracy.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Board on Monday, March 17, 2025, the Speaker emphasized the Board’s pivotal role in ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of Parliament, its members, and staff, as well as other stakeholders within Ghana’s democratic framework.

New Parliamentary Service Board Members

The newly constituted Board is chaired by Speaker Bagbin with Hon. Mahama Ayariga, Majority Leader, Hon. Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, Minority Leader, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, and Clerk to Parliament as members and Hon. Bernard Ahiafor, First Deputy Speaker and Hon. Andrew Amoako Asiamah, Second Deputy Speaker as co-opted members.

The Board has Nana Tawiah Okyir as Secretary Mrs Linda Gyekye Boadu as Assistant Secretary.

Speaker Bagbin’s Charge to the Board

In his address, Rt. Hon. Bagbin outlined the responsibilities of the Parliamentary Service Board, as mandated by Article 124 of the Constitution and Section 4 of the Parliamentary Service Act, 1993 (Act 460).

The Speaker noted that the Board’s key functions is to among of other things provide strategic direction for the effective and efficient functioning of Parliament, overseeing the welfare and development of parliamentary staff and members, ensuring proper management of Parliament’s affairs, including policy matters and promoting high productivity through appropriate human resource policies and ensuring compliance with procurement laws.

He added that the Board also have a responsibility in strengthening parliamentary oversight and accountability mechanisms and called for urgent measures to improve the security of the parliamentary enclave, citing concerns over the vulnerability of MPs and staff to security threats.

Reflecting on the achievements of the previous Board, Speaker Bagbin acknowledged its efforts in improving parliamentary infrastructure, staff welfare, and operational efficiency.

Notable achievements he said were the approval of a new organizational structure that enhanced career progression within the Parliamentary Service, the adoption of a governance charter outlining principles for corporate governance and enhanced capacity-building programs for MPs and parliamentary staff.

Despite these advancements, the Speaker highlighted ongoing challenges that the new Board must address, including enhancing security within the parliamentary enclave, streamlining service delivery, and improving staff discipline and efficiency.

He commended members of the outgone Board, including Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin (former Majority Leader and now Minority Leader, Hon. Abraham Ossei Aidooh, former MP for Tema, Johnson Aseidu Nketia, current NDC Chairman and former MP and the former Clerk to Parliament, Cyril Kwabena Oteng Nsiah for their invaluable contributions.

He, however urged the new Board to build upon the successes of their predecessors and work towards a stronger and more accountable Parliament.

“As we embark on this journey, let us be guided by the principle that great achievements come through dedication and perseverance,” Speaker Bagbin remarked. “Together, we can shape the future of Ghana’s parliamentary democracy.”

Minority Leader Calls for Parliamentary Hospital and Enhanced Security

In his remarks, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin commended the Speaker’s transformative leadership but raised concerns about MPs’ welfare and security.

He advocated for the establishment of a parliamentary hospital, citing the need for a confidential healthcare facility for lawmakers.

He also emphasized the necessity of improved security measures in Parliament, referencing enhanced security provisions in other legislative chambers, such as the British Parliament.

“Here in the public gallery, anyone can throw anything at a Member of Parliament, and there is no security,” he warned, calling for urgent reforms.

He further suggested discussions on constructing a new chamber to provide a more secure and functional working space for legislators.

Majority Leader Opposes Hospital and New Chamber Proposals

However, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga opposed the Minority Leader’s proposals, arguing that Parliament should not isolate itself from the public.

He noted that the existing Ridge Hospital and other medical facilities in Accra adequately serve MPs and staff, stressing,“I totally reject the proposal to construct a hospital exclusively for Parliament. We have a clinic, and if anything, we should improve its facilities.”

On security concerns, he agreed on the need for improvements but dismissed the call for a new chamber, stating that the current facility remains adequate despite financial constraints in the country.

Commitment to Parliamentary Reforms

Despite their differences, both leaders pledged their commitment to working with the Board to enhance Parliament’s effectiveness. Speaker Bagbin expressed confidence in the new Board’s ability to drive reforms and strengthen Parliament’s oversight role.

The inauguration ceremony marked the official commencement of the 9th Parliamentary Service Board’s tenure, setting the stage for critical reforms in Ghana’s legislative landscape.