Ghana’s Parliament has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, inclusive governance, and gender equity as the country marked the International Day of Parliamentarianism with a triple-event commemoration at Parliament House in Accra.

The day, observed globally on 30th June under the auspices of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), was marked with three key activities: the inauguration of the Ghana Open Parliament Steering Committee, the launch of Ghana’s Open Parliament Action Plan, and the ceremonial observance of Parliamentarianism Day.

"An Occasion for Reflection and Renewal" – Bagbin

Delivering the keynote address, Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin described the celebration as both an opportunity for reflection and a recommitment to parliamentary ideals. Quoting Socrates, he said, “An unexamined life is not worth living.” He added, “As the Ga people say, Wogbɛ Jɛkɛ – We have come a long way. Our 32-year democratic journey under the Fourth Republic has made great strides in institutionalising governance, inclusivity, and public accountability.”

Open Governance at the Heart of the Agenda

Highlighting the significance of the triple launch, Mr Bagbin said the synchronisation of the three events was “timely and strategic,” aligning with Ghana’s commitments under the Open Government Partnership (OGP).

He explained that the newly launched Open Parliament Action Plan is anchored on four key pillars: transparency, accountability, citizen participation, and innovation. The plan aims to address challenges such as limited public access to legislative processes, low youth and gender inclusion, and perceptions of Parliament’s inaccessibility.

The Speaker expressed confidence in the newly inaugurated Steering Committee, stating it was diverse and well-equipped to ensure the successful implementation of the action plan.

Progress Celebrated, Gaps Confronted

Mr Bagbin praised Ghana’s consistent peaceful transitions of power, the enactment of key legislation like the Right to Information Act, and the growing use of oversight mechanisms. However, he noted that progress in gender representation remains sluggish.

Speaking on this year’s IPU theme, “Achieving Gender Equality, Action by Action,” he described Ghana’s global ranking of 137th out of 168 countries in women’s representation in Parliament as “a sobering reality.”

“From 8% in 1995 to just 14.6% in 2025, we have not moved fast enough,” he said. Compared to our African peers, we are falling behind. It calls for deliberate, purposeful action to remove the systemic and cultural barriers that prevent women from rising to leadership.”

He emphasised the importance of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121), which introduces a phased quota system for women across sectors. “Parliament must lead by example. Political parties must comply with the law, and we must ensure its effective enforcement,” he stressed.

Empowering Women’s Caucus and Citizen Engagement

The Speaker called for the institutional strengthening of the Women’s Caucus, including a dedicated budget and greater input in legislative planning. He also urged the launch of a nationwide civic education campaign to promote women’s political participation.

“The Citizens’ Bureau Office under the Open Government Partnership,” he noted, “offers a perfect platform for fostering transparency and sustained engagement between Parliament and the people.”

Call to Collective Action

Quoting former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, he reminded attendees: “Partnership is not mere posturing; it is an ongoing process defined by shared goals and collective commitment.”
Mr Bagbin concluded with an appeal to Ghanaians: “To every Ghanaian: this is your Parliament, this is your home. Seize the opportunities being created. Engage your MPs. Use the Right to
Information Law. Be part of the transformation.”

With that, he officially launched the Open Parliament Action Plan and inaugurated the Steering Committee, marking a new chapter in Ghana’s open governance journey.

“Let us recommit ourselves to building a Ghana where Parliament is celebrated across Africa as the most open, accountable, and responsive institution. A Ghana where every citizen feels a genuine sense of ownership and belonging to our democracy,” the Speaker concluded.