Speaker Bagbin advocates for inclusivity and gender equity in governance at CSO Forum

The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has called for a governance model that promotes inclusivity, transparency, and citizen participation in a recent forum with civil society organizations (CSOs) and think tanks.

Attended by representatives from about fifty CSOs, Speaker Bagbin emphasized the importance of a governance system that goes beyond traditional democracy, urging for a more participatory approach that involves all sectors of society in decision-making processes.

“Civil society must remain a vital pillar in shaping national policies, providing research, and holding leaders accountable,” he stated.

The Speaker also highlighted the significant role of CSOs in driving parliamentary reforms, particularly in anti-corruption initiatives and local government restructuring.

He praised the efforts of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Caucus for its role in promoting transparency and open governance in Ghana.

“With Ghana’s top ranking in the 2022 Africa Open Parliament Index, these reforms reflect Parliament’s commitment to enhancing its democratic processes through continuous partnership with civil society,” Bagbin remarked.

In addition to advocating for transparency, Speaker Bagbin called for stronger gender equity measures in governance, urging stakeholders to support the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121), to ensure greater female representation in decision-making roles.

He also presented copies of the Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament to CSOs, further emphasizing their role in ensuring accountability.

The forum was attended by key MPs and officials, including Hon. Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah and Hon. Emmanuel Akwasi Acquah, reinforcing the shared responsibility of governance between the state and the people.