In a significant move toward promoting parliamentary transparency, accountability, and active citizen engagement, the Parliament of Ghana, in collaboration with the Parliamentary Network Africa (PNAfrica), is proud to announce the inaugural “Open Parliament Week.” This groundbreaking event is scheduled to take place over three days in October 2024, aligning with Parliament’s session.
Across the world, Open Parliament Week is a significant approach designed to foster a stronger connection between Parliament and the people. The Parliament of Ghana, therefore, has taken this step, working with civil society to ensure that citizens understand the work of their representatives and are able to learn more about Parliament and its procedures. Through this initiative, Parliament will educate the public on its functions, the roles and responsibilities of Members of Parliament, and provide an inside look at the various departments and services within the Parliament of Ghana. Open Parliament Week is also intended to build trust between citizens and Parliament, enhancing Ghana’s commitment to open government principles.
Highlights of the Open Parliament Week:
- Official Opening Ceremony: The event will commence with an opening session and exhibition launch, led by the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Alban S.K. Bagbin, together with Parliament’s leadership, set the tone for this unique occasion.
- Exhibitions by Parliamentary Departments and Civil Society Organizations: Throughout the event, selected departments of the Parliamentary Service will present exhibits showcasing the products and services they provide to the public. This includes hands-on displays from civil society organizations and development partners, who will highlight their contributions to promoting parliamentary democracy and good governance in Ghana.
- Seminars and Panel Discussions: During Open Parliament Week, there will be a series of seminars and panel discussions on key national and global topics to encourage dialogue between Parliament, civil society, and the general public.
- Observation of Parliamentary Proceedings: The public will have the opportunity to observe live parliamentary sessions from the public gallery, providing them with a direct view of Ghana’s legislative process.
- Public Engagement and Media Coverage: The event will be widely publicized in traditional media and live-streamed to enable the virtual participation of the general public.
Participation and Organization
This event will welcome diverse groups, including civil society organizations (CSOs), think tanks, academic institutions, student parliaments, and the media, allowing for broad-based participation and public interaction with Parliament.
