Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin has disclosed that one of the key things he seeks to achieve in his tenure of office is a bi-partisan parliament. He believes fostering cooperation between the two parties in their work is in the best interest not just of the legislative arm of government but also all other stakeholders. He made it known at a meeting with a six-member delegation team led by the Executive Director of STAR-Ghana Foundation, Mr. Ibrahim-Tanko Amidu.
The delegation, made up of the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations working in the area of governance, seek to explore ways in which Parliament and Civil Society can collaborate effectively to advance the democratic development agenda of the country. Leader of the delegation, Mr. Amidu congratulated the Speaker on his election and expressed his gratitude to him for opening his doors to engage with Civil Society Organizations.
Dr. Rasheed Draman, member of the delegation presented some issues of importance to the coalition. He raised the issue of Leadership, consensus, and accommodation in the House, mediation, negotiation, and compromisation, assurance of balance in the composition of committees, revision of standing orders: Operationalisation of the Scrutiny/Budget Office and emphasized on the expedisation of outstanding bills including the Affirmative Action Bill which holds the potential to improve political participation and representation of women in decision-making, the Disability Act amendment that addresses lapses in the provisions for children and women with a disability, humanitarian services and political participation among others, and the Non-Profit Organization (NPO) Bill that is likely to be laid before this Parliament and will seek to provide new regulation governing the non-profit sector.
The Executive Director of STAR-Ghana Foundation also made mention of some projects undertaken by Civil Society Organisations and Parliament in the past in pursuit and support of good governance. He anticipates more and improved collaborative efforts with Parliament in the future.
"In due course, we hope to fully engage with the Speaker and Parliament on these matters.", Mr Amidu stated.
Speaker Bagbin further made a call for Members of Parliament to work closely together, build consensus and put the country first in all their deliberations and actions. His goal is for Parliament to partner with CSOs for some legislative work.
“My doors are always open to Civil Society Organizations and I am looking forward to working with you. As a matter of fact, I will be calling on some of you to provide technical support to parliament on pieces of legislation and other activities” he said.
Other members of the delegation present were Dr. Kwesi Jonah - a fellow of IDEG, Regina Amanfo of CDD, Beauty Emefa Narteh - Executive Director Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition and Feruzah Salisu - a Programme Officer of STAR-Ghana Foundation.