Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ghanaian Times
Published on 2024-02-21 12:31:00
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, recently addressed the January 2024 Standing Orders of Parliament and the impact they will have on Ghana’s parliamentary democracy. He emphasized that the new standing orders provide an opportunity to address the evolving needs of the country’s parliamentary system.
According to Bagbin, the November 2000 Standing Orders were challenged over time, exposing gaps and deficiencies in the processes and procedures of the House. He noted that the current composition of the House has brought these issues into sharper focus, despite the deficiencies surfacing as far back as early 2001.
Bagbin made these statements during an orientation workshop for Members of Parliament and Procedural Staff on the new Standing Orders in Ho over the weekend. He stressed the importance of aligning the conduct of business in the House with the changing trends and requirements of Parliament. He also emphasized the need for members to understand and adapt to the new 2024 Standing Orders, which have replaced the 2000 Orders.
The Speaker highlighted that the existing composition of the House has presented several challenges with the old Standing Orders. These challenges have led to diverse interpretations of procedures and practices, as well as verbal confrontations and tensions on the floor of the House.
Furthermore, Bagbin advised Members of Parliament to approach their work with diligence and innovation, especially in light of the increasing public distrust towards Parliament. He stressed the importance of addressing this issue through their approach to work.
During the workshop, Deputy Majority Leader Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin emphasized the significance of the rules book (Standing Orders) for MPs. He shared his personal experience of relying on the rules book when he initially struggled in the chamber, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the established rules.
Additionally, Minority Chief Whip Kwame Governs Agbodza congratulated the Speaker for spearheading the revision of the Standing Orders and bringing them into operation. He acknowledged the importance of updating the orders to address contemporary challenges faced by Parliament.
The Clerk to Parliament, Mr Cyril Kwabena Oteng Nsiah, also highlighted the impact of contemporary challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the novel situations and challenges presented by the hung nature of the Eighth Parliament. These issues were not clearly provided for under the previous Standing Orders, highlighting the need for an update.
Overall, the orientation workshop provided an opportunity for Members of Parliament and procedural staff to familiarize themselves with the new Standing Orders and understand the changes they bring to the functioning of Parliament. The speakers at the workshop emphasized the importance of adapting to the new orders and addressing the evolving needs of Ghana’s parliamentary democracy.
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