General News of Wednesday, 30 October 2024

Source: classfmonline.com

Bagbin urges national support to strengthen Parliament as ‘foundation of democracy’

Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has called on Ghanaians and stakeholders to rally behind the institution of Parliament, describing it as the foundation of the country’s democratic governance.

At the commissioning of the Job 600 building in Accra on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, Speaker Bagbin emphasized that Parliament serves as the “mirror of Ghana’s democracy,” and that its strengthening is essential to secure democratic gains and ensure effective governance.

“If the people are to benefit from democratic governance, it is the Parliament—which is the mirror of democracy that is the focus—that should be strengthened,” he said, emphasizing the Legislature’s unique role.

He continued: “Apart from lawmaking, it is Parliament that has the only function of oversight. It is Parliament that ensures our collective efforts in terms of energy, resources, and trust are appropriately applied to benefit everyone.”

Mr. Bagbin further noted that Parliament embodies core principles of representation, accountability, and governance, ensuring that the voices of Ghanaians are heard and holding the government accountable.

He cautioned against taking the institution for granted, stressing: “Strengthening Parliament is not just the duty of Parliament, but of everybody, and we have to work together to make sure that our people don’t suffer and struggle to elect us in vain.”

The Speaker urged citizens and stakeholders to support and respect Parliament’s role in shaping Ghana’s democratic framework.

Reinforcing the institution, he stated, would increase its ability to serve the public effectively and enhance national development.