Dr. Mrs. Gloria Sarku Kwmawu, Deputy Clerk in charge of Information Management Services, Parliament House, has highlighted the importance of capacity building.

"Enhancing staff competencies is the surest way to effective service delivery and improved productivity," she stated.

She also emphasised that the recent implementation of a new organogram for the Parliamentary Service had resulted in expanded functional areas and more challenging roles, particularly for senior management officials.

Dr. Mrs. Sarku Kwmawu made the remarks when she spoke on behalf of Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, the Clerk to Parliament, at the opening of the 2025 Graduate Entry Training Programme on Monday in Parliament House, Accra.

It was organised by the Parliamentary Training Institute (PTI).

Dr. Mrs. Sarku said: "This professional training you are about to undergo is not only timely but vital in preparing you to effectively perform your new roles under the current organogram.

"We believe that enhancing staff competencies is the surest way to effective service delivery and improved productivity."

The Graduate Entry Training Program, which began three years ago, is aimed at equipping newly appointed staff with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their roles effectively.

Dr. Ernest Darfour, Head of PTI, explained that the program, which is a statutory requirement under Section 25 of CI 118, will run for three months and cover four main thematic areas through three centers: the University of Ghana Business School, the Ghana Secretariat School, and the PTI.

He noted that the program included training in public administration, administrative skills, and parliamentary practice and procedure.

"Participants will be divided into three groups and will spend one month with each center, work on assignments, and receive a certificate of competency upon completion following specific requirements," Dr. Darfour said.

He added that the training was designed to promote professionalism and excellence in the Parliamentary Service.

"Participants are expected to take the program seriously, as it is a requirement for their promotion. The program aims to enhance the capacity of staff to deliver effective service and support the work of parliament," he noted.

Professor Justice Bawole, the immediate past Dean, the University of Ghana Business School, in a keynote address lauded Parliament on its current reform agendas of implementing initiatives like the Open Parliament Initiative to promote transparency, innovation, and citizen participation.

He urged the staff to take ownership of their roles and contribute to the institution's goals, rather than shifting responsibility to others.

Prof Bawole said: "Leadership is not limited to formal authority; staff can demonstrate leadership through influence, initiative, and impact in their areas of responsibility.

"Staff must uphold neutrality and integrity, particularly in politically charged moments."

Touching on transformative work, Prof. Bawole noted that staff work was not just administrative but also transformative, requiring a recognition of its impact, adding that, "the insights and skills you will acquire are not just for your personal growth but are crucial for the collective advancement and efficacy of Parliament."

Mrs. Eva Tandoh, a representative from the Civil Service Training Centre, said the training program was designed to equip staff with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively engage with citizens and promote parliamentary activities.

"This training is critical, especially in the parliamentary service, where high standards are expected," she said.

Mrs. Tandoh commended PTI for prioritizing training and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with them.

Other speakers commended the Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin; the Parliamentary Service Board; the management of Parliament; and PTI for its efforts in building the capacity of parliamentary staff in Ghana.

Mr. Solomon Nobi Amanor, Principal of the Government Secretarial School, emphasized the importance of capacity building and staff development in promoting the institution's goals and values.