Accra, Monday, 30th June 2025 — The Parliament of Ghana has marked this year’s International Day of Parliamentarianism with a significant triple milestone: the inauguration of the Open Parliament Steering Committee, the launch of Ghana’s Open Parliament Action Plan, and a renewed national call for greater gender inclusion in democratic governance.
Delivering the keynote address, the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, emphasized the importance of reflection, inclusivity, and purposeful action in Ghana’s democratic journey. “Our democracy has made remarkable strides – we have indeed come a long way,” he noted, reflecting on the country’s 32 years of parliamentary democracy.
This year’s theme, “Achieving Gender Equality, Action by Action,” shone a spotlight on the persistent gender gap in parliamentary representation. Citing a 2025 Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) report, Speaker Bagbin noted Ghana’s marginal 6.6% improvement in women’s parliamentary representation over 30 years—ranking the country 137th out of 168. He urged the effective implementation of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121), and called for increased support for the Women’s Caucus in Parliament.
The Open Parliament Action Plan, officially launched at the ceremony, is anchored on four strategic pillars: transparency, accountability, citizen participation, and the use of technology and innovation. It seeks to address challenges such as limited public access to legislative processes, low levels of youth and gender inclusion, and gaps in public engagement and follow-up on parliamentary decisions.
As part of the celebration, Parliament inaugurated the Open Parliament Steering Committee to oversee the implementation of the Action Plan. The Committee brings together a blend of parliamentary and civil society leaders, including:
- Hon. Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, Chair of the OGP Caucus in Parliament (Chair)
- Hon. Alexander Kwasi Aquah, Vice Chair
- Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, Clerk to Parliament
- Mrs. Esther Poku-Eduhene, Programmes Manager, Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative
- Mrs. Matilda Ayamga, Programmes Advisor, NORSAC
- Dr. Michael Augustus Akakpo, Programmes Manager, CDD-Ghana
- Mr. Jerry Sam, Executive Director, Penplusbytes
- Mr. Samuel Obeng, Executive Director, Parliamentary Network Africa (PNAfrica)
- Mrs. Afia Tenge, Director of Public Engagement, and Secretary to the Committee
“Inaugurating the Steering Committee and launching this Action Plan is not only a bold step, but also a pledge,” the Speaker declared. “It reflects a shared commitment to address national challenges through stronger collaboration between government and citizens.”
The day’s event drew together Members of Parliament, the Clerk to Parliament, Civil Society Organizations, members of the Diplomatic Corps, traditional and religious leaders, student groups, and the media. Parliamentary Network Africa (PNAfrica), a key partner in the process, was acknowledged for its technical support and advocacy in promoting parliamentary openness.
Speaker Bagbin closed with a passionate call to citizens: “To every Ghanaian: this is your Parliament, this is your home. The success of open governance depends on your active participation.”
With the launch of the Action Plan, Ghana takes a bold step forward in reinforcing its democratic values and building a Parliament that is open, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of its people.
Source: Clement Akoloh || Parliamentary Network Africa
