*Ghana's Parliament Strengthens Capacity with International Support*
The Parliament of Ghana has received support from international partners, including the World Bank and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), to enhance its capacity in promoting fiscal responsibility and accountability.
Giving welcome remarks, the clerk to parliament, Mr Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror emphasized that, this collaboration aims to strengthen parliamentary committees and members of parliament to effectively oversee public expenditures and budget implementation processes.
Improve the capacity of parliamentary committees to scrutinize public expenditures and hold public institutions accountable.
Promote fiscal responsibility and support the development of effective, accountable, and transparent institutions in Ghana.
H.E Keith MC Mahon, the British High Commissioner - Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office added that the UK is committed to supporting Ghana's Parliamentary effectiveness through technical partnerships, focusing on data-driven policy -making and public finance oversight.
He said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to promoting good governance, economic development and prosperity in Ghana.
Representing the World Bank, Ms Michelle Keane explained that, this partnership builds on the world Bank' s long history of supporting Parliamentary strengthening in Ghana.
Ms Keane mentioned that the program will provide materials and knowledge on economics, public financial management, tax policy and development issues to enable informed decisions on macro fiscal policy and pathways to achieve Ghana's Sustainable Development Goals.
The minority member for Obuasi West, Mr Kwaku Kwarteng said by investing in its own initiatives, Ghana can ensure that progress is sustained and that development goals are achieved in the long term.
The Minority Leader, Mr Alexander Kwamena Afenyo Markin emphasized the importance of continuous development of parliamentarians' understanding of economic governance to hold the government accountable and provide informed perspectives.
This initiative is seen as a step towards promoting good governance and transparency in Ghana's democratic institutions.
The Majority Leader, Mr Mahama Ayariga giving his remarks noted that, Speaker of Parliament is taking steps to enhance parliamentary capacity by leveraging research institutes to support committee work.
This initiative aims to provide committees with access to scientific research and data, enabling them to make informed decisions.
By leveraging research institutes, Parliament can enhance its capacity to make informed decisions and hold government accountable, ultimately leading to better governance and service delivery.
The Rt Hon Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin launching the £800,000 pound project said the critical role of parliament in holding the executive branch of government accountable.
He said as a representative of the people, parliament has the constitutional mandate to scrutinize the action of the executive and ensure that they are acting in the best interests of the citizens.
Report by PKB
