The Information Services Division of Parliament, in collaboration with Parliamentary Network Africa, has commenced a weeklong Information Week aimed at promoting transparency and fostering active engagement with the parliamentary service.
This initiative emphasizes 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 encouraged to engage actively with the public, fostering a culture of accountability and inclusivity.
The official opening also included the unveiling of the Green Library 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 opening ceremony on October 30, 2024. He emphasized that the parliamentary service plays a vital role in disseminating information to the public, enabling them to understand the workings of parliament.
“Open parliament serves as a reminder of our commitment to ensuring that citizens are informed by making parliamentary proceedings accessible. Empowering individuals to understand what decisions are being made on their behalf allows them to hold their representatives accountable,” he underscored.
Dr. Darkoh noted that the weeklong celebrations provide a twofold benefit: enabling the parliamentary service to demonstrate its value to the public, while also reinforcing its dedication to 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 exist either. Therefore, when serving the public, we are not doing them a favour. If they are not satisfied, it means there is work to be done,” he said.
Deputy Clerk Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, delivering remarks on behalf of the Clerk to Parliament, emphasized the need for the parliamentary service to uphold good governance by delivering service to the people that is both accessible and reliable.
Sammy Obeng, Executive Director of Parliamentary Network Africa, expressed pleasure in the organization’s commitment to ensuring transparency in African parliaments and called on the parliamentary service to continue improving its services to remain at the top.
“When the Parliament of Ghana was adjudged the most open parliament in West Africa in the maiden Open Parliament Index in 2022, it came with responsibilities. Ghana’s Parliament must sustain the gains that brought it to this level and continue to improve to stay 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 concerning findings from a recent Afrobarometer report, which revealed that the Parliament, alongside the Presidency, Judiciary, and Electoral Commission, is among the least trusted institutions.
Despite efforts to increase transparency and accessibility, this report underscores the need for further action to address these trust concerns.
“This is clearly a significant issue that stems from the disconnect between citizens and their representatives and their limited understanding of the work of Parliament, which fosters mistrust and apathy towards governance,” she said.
Additionally, Deputy Clerk Dr Mrs Gloria Sarku Kumawu noted that the weeklong celebration will include the Official Launch, Seminars, the Green Library, a Guided Tour of Parliament, an Exhibition, and Games.
By: Mary Kwarley Quartey/newsalertgh.com
