Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has commissioned a new constituency office for the Awutu Senya East MP, Naa Koryoo Okunor, as part of ongoing efforts to deepen parliamentary decentralisation.
The ceremony attended by the Speaker of Parliament, used the occasion to reiterate his commitment to advancing decentralization within Ghana’s parliamentary system during the remaining years of his tenure.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Bagbin underscored the importance of translating policy into action, stressing that Parliament must become more accessible to the people it serves. He identified the establishment and proper resourcing of constituency and regional offices as a practical step toward deepening citizen engagement and strengthening democratic accountability.
Providing some historical context, the Speaker reflected on the evolution of Kasoa, noting that its present name emerged through the influence of settlers. Despite these changes, he said the town has maintained its reputation as a thriving centre for trade and enterprise. “We are dealing with commerce, business, investment, and human resource development,” he stated, linking Kasoa’s legacy to the country’s broader economic ambitions.
Mr. Bagbin also highlighted the importance of empowering local governance structures, arguing that sustainable development must be anchored at the grassroots level. He reiterated ongoing efforts to equip District Assemblies with the authority and resources needed to drive progress, emphasizing that “power is about influence.” He further called on citizens and local leaders to support decentralization initiatives to ensure lasting impact.
The opening of the office aligns with broader efforts by the Parliament of Ghana to bring its work closer to the people. As part of this shift, the role of Members of Parliament is evolving beyond lawmaking in Accra to include stronger engagement with constituents.
These responsibilities now span four key areas: crafting legislation, representing constituents, overseeing the work of the Executive and District Chief Executives, and advancing decentralization through the establishment of permanent constituency offices.
In line with this approach, parliamentary activities are increasingly being held outside the capital. The Public Accounts Committee, for example, has recently organized sittings in Tamale to address regional concerns while reducing the need for stakeholders to travel to Accra.
Officials say the initiative is not only more inclusive but also cost-effective, as it minimizes travel expenses for citizens and enhances participation in parliamentary processes.
