Ghanaians must appreciate the role of Parliament in consolidating the country's democratic gains. A well functioning parliamentary democracy is key to Ghana's stability and progress. Superintendent Effia Tengey, Head of the Public Engagement Unit of Parliament, stressed this point during a recent visit to the Information Services Department.
She noted that if citizens understand and value the importance of parliamentary democracy, they will work to protect Ghana's Constitution. Superintendent Tengey expressed concern about the recent coups in other West African countries. "I can count not less than 10 coups in the sub-region over the last three years," she said. Ghana has avoided such instability perhaps because "we may be doing something right." But she emphasized that Ghanaians must work to strengthen democracy continuously.
"The sovereignty of the people is in Parliament where everybody is represented," Superintendent Tengey stated. This underscores the need for greater engagement between MPs and citizens, with a focus on increasing citizen participation. The Public Engagement Unit was created for this purpose - to facilitate a more inclusive democratic process and ensure the public understands Parliament's work and functions.
Obed Appiah, head of the Citizens' Bureau in Parliament, said citizens will now be allowed to observe all committee meetings and access all reports, including loan agreements. A new portal has been created to publicly share such documents in a simplified format. The recent amendments to Parliament's Standing Orders reflect this new direction taken by Speaker Alban Bagbin.
David Owusu-Amoah, acting Chief Information Officer of the Information Services Department, said ISD is shifting away from its old ways of public education. Research will now play a critical role in analyzing information before sharing it with the public. ISD has also digitalized its operations to track relevant information, correct misinformation, and relay accurate information to the Minister of Information for Cabinet consumption.
In summary, Ghana's democratic gains depend on citizens valuing and participating in parliamentary democracy. Parliament has taken steps to be more transparent and accessible to the public through the Public Engagement and Citizens' Bureau units. If Ghanaians see the importance of parliamentary oversight, debates and decision making, they will work to protect the Constitution and democratic system from threats - both external and internal. Strengthening citizen-Parliament engagement should therefore be a priority for Ghana's continued stability and development.
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