PARLIAMENT LAUNCHES "OPEN PARLIAMENT AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SERVICES WEEK.
The Information Services Division of Parliament in collaboration with Parliamentary Network Africa has commenced a weeklong information week, aimed at promoting transparency and active engagement with the parliamentary service.
This initiative underscores the importance of openness and accessibility in governance, encouraging citizens to participate in the democratic process.
As the parliamentary service embarks on this initiative, it is urged to engage actively with the public, fostering a culture of accountability and inclusivity.
The official opening also came along with the opening of the Green Library Project in Parliament a fresh, dynamic space designed to inspire minds, foster collaboration, and promote well-being within the Parliamentary community.
Dr. Evans Aggrey-Darkoh, Commissioner and Head of Civil Service, highlighted the crucial role of the parliamentary service at the Official Opening ceremony on October 30, 2024. He emphasized that the parliamentary service plays a vital part in disseminating information to the public, enabling them to comprehend the workings of parliament.
“Open parliament serves as a reminder of the commitment we have to ensuring that citizens are informed by opening parliamentary proceedings and making information accessible empower individuals to understand what decisions are being made on their behalf and hold their representatives accountable”he underscored
Dr. Darkoh observed that the week-long celebrations provide a twofold benefit;enabling the parliamentary service to demonstrate its value to the public, while also reinforcing its dedication to upholding good governance principles, ensuring transparency, accountability, and exceptional public service.
“We are here because parliament is here,if parliament does not exist we do not also exist. Therefore when serving the public we are not doing them a favor,hence once they are not happy,it means there is work to be done”he said
Deputy Clerk Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror also delivering a remark on behalf of the clerk to parliament,reemphasize the need for the parliamentary service to uphold good governance,which comes in the form of service delivered to the people,being requisite and available at all times.
Executive director of the Parliamentary Network Africa Sammy Obeng expressing their pleasure as an institution poised at ensuring openness in all African parliament,called on the parliamentary service to improve upon their service to remain at the top
“When parliament of Ghana was adjudged the most open parliament in West Africa in the maiden open parliament index in 2022,it came with it own responsibilities,it means parliament of Ghana would have to sustain the gains that brought it to that level but also improve upon it to still be within the top league”he advised
The Member of Parliament for Asokwa Constituency, Patricia Appiagyei, delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament. She highlighted the concerning findings of the recent Afrobarometer report, which revealed that Parliament, alongside the Presidency, Judiciary, and Electoral Commission, is among the least trusted institutions.
This is despite ongoing efforts to increase Parliament's transparency and accessibility to the public.According to the Speaker, this report underscores the need for further action to address these trust concerns.
“This is obviously a major problem that can be attributed to the disconnect between citizens and their representatives,their limited understanding of the work of parliament which brings about mistrust and apathy to the issues of governance”she read
