The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has proposed the convening of a national conference between the House and the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
The initiative, he explained, would enable Parliament to build the knowledge and capacity of the Assemblies to effectively legislate by-laws, rules and regulations that guide their operations and strengthen local governance.
Speaker Bagbin made the proposal during a book launch held at Parliament in Accra on Thursday.
He noted that while Parliament continued to play its constitutional role of lawmaking, oversight and representation, it was equally important to support the Assemblies to discharge their legislative functions at the local level.
According to him, such a conference would foster collaboration, enhance institutional effectiveness, and ensure that by-laws passed by the Assemblies are consistent with national legislation and responsive to the needs of citizens.
The Speaker emphasised that empowering the Assemblies through knowledge-sharing and capacity-building would deepen decentralisation and improve service delivery across the country.
Mr Bagbin formally launched the two books authored by Benjamin Tachie Antiedu, Esq., an astute lawyer and scholar in parliamentary processes.
The books are aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in parliamentary work and governance.
The books, “Parliamentary Language in Ghana: A Citizen’s Guide” and “Subsidiary Legislature in Ghana: Principles, Practice, and Procedure,” provide valuable insights into parliamentary processes and language.
Mr Bagbin remarked: “The language of Parliament is guided not only by laws and standing orders but also by expressions, traditions, and procedures that shape its relations and decisions.
He emphasised the importance of understanding parliamentary language, noting that it had its roots in Latin and was deeply connected to the history and traditions of parliamentary democracy.
He said, “Parliamentary language is not just English language… It’s about understanding the origins and meanings of words and concepts.”
The books are expected to contribute significantly to the intellectual foundation of Ghana’s constitutional order, promoting sound research, clarity of expression, and respect for constitutional values.
The books are expected to be a valuable resource for citizens, students, and practitioners seeking to understand Ghana’s parliamentary processes and promote good governance.
“These works demonstrate not only scholarship but also devotion to public service and nation-building,” Mr Bagbin said.
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