Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has embraced the country’s hung parliament as a unique opportunity to enhance its parliamentary democracy.
Despite criticisms, Bagbin sees the benefits of a balanced legislature, promoting thoughtful deliberations over majority-driven decision-making.
At the Democracy Cup launch, marking 30 years of uninterrupted parliamentary democracy, Bagbin encouraged embracing this setup, allowing for more considered reasoning and avoiding hasty decisions driven by majority numbers.
He believes this setup fosters a more inclusive and representative decision-making process.
Acknowledging the need for adapted procedures, Bagbin emphasized his crucial role in shaping Ghana’s political landscape, ensuring parliament’s autonomy and independence from government influence.
With his extensive experience working with Ghana’s presidents, he confidently asserted that marginalizing him or reducing parliament’s role won’t happen during his tenure.
Before his speakership, parliament was often viewed as a mere public service extension.
Bagbin aims to change this perception, highlighting parliament’s vital role in the country’s democratic growth.
He stressed that parliament is not just a rubber stamp for government decisions but a co-equal branch of government.
By adopting this new approach, Bagbin hopes to strengthen Ghana’s democratic institutions and ensure a more representative and accountable government.
