Annoh-Dompreh Pushes for Reforms of Pan-African Parliament Rules and Protocols

Hon. Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyire and a representative of Ghana at the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), has strongly advocated for critical reforms to the Rules governing the operations of the continental legislative body.

Speaking during a debate on the floor of the Pan-African Parliament, the Ghanaian MP underscored the need to restore and strengthen the institution’s oversight responsibilities, which he believes are fundamental to its existence and relevance within the African Union governance structure.

“It is our mandate of oversight – that is why the PAP was formed. And nobody should tell me any theories. That is what it is,” Mr. Annoh-Dompreh asserted passionately.

“From whichever angle you look at it, we have oversight functions, and it is backed by protocol. Nobody will take that away from us. We will demand that. And I make this suggestion with the greatest of respect – let that oversight power be returned to the PAP.”

The Ghanaian lawmaker argued that the original vision of the PAP was to serve not only as a consultative and advisory body, but also to exercise meaningful oversight over AU institutions and organs. He stressed that this foundational principle must not be diluted or undermined.

Mr. Annoh-Dompreh also raised concerns over the current institutional arrangements involving the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) and other AU bodies, calling for clarity and coherence in their roles relative to the PAP.

“Before the formation of the PAP, we were aware of the existence of the PRC and other agencies working in alignment with it. But in the wisdom of the framers of the new protocol, those functions were meant to be assumed by the PAP. As it stands now, there is a need to realign and ensure the PAP performs its mandated roles.”

The Pan-African Parliament (PAP), established in 2004 as one of the nine organs of the African Union (AU), was created to ensure the full participation of African peoples in the development and economic integration of the continent.

Each AU member state is entitled to send five parliamentarians, at least one of whom must be a woman, selected from their national legislatures or deliberative bodies.

The principle of inclusivity and gender representation is enshrined in the founding protocols of the PAP.

PAP members serve a renewable term aligned with their tenure in their national legislatures.

While the institution initially operated in an advisory capacity, ongoing calls for reform – including those from MPs like Annoh-Dompreh – seek to transform it into a fully-fledged legislative organ with binding powers.

Mr. Annoh-Dompreh’s remarks contribute to a growing chorus of voices from across the continent demanding a stronger, more empowered Pan-African Parliament, capable of holding AU organs accountable and enhancing democratic governance in Africa.