- Ghana's parliament is a model for others, says Speaker Bagbin.
- Bagbin calls for chiefs to be allowed to participate in politics.
- Current constitution bars chiefs from politics, needs refinement.
Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin revealed that many parliaments worldwide are drawing inspiration from Ghana’s parliament, particularly in managing its affairs amidst a hung parliament. He cited South Africa as one of the countries learning from Ghana’s parliamentary practices.
Bagbin made these remarks during a courtesy call on Asantehene Otumfuor Osei Tutu II on June 30, as part of the 30th anniversary celebrations of the Ashanti region. The Speaker emphasized the need for constitutional reform to allow chiefs to participate in active politics, citing their crucial role in development.
Article 276 of the 1992 Constitution bars chiefs from engaging in party politics, but Bagbin argues this must change. He believes refining the Constitution will better suit Ghana’s situation and urged future governments to take this seriously.
The Speaker expressed gratitude to Otumfuor for his wise counsel and pledged to remain transparent and accountable to the electorate. Otumfuor cautioned politicians against overly monetizing the electoral process, which breeds corruption.
He urged MPs to maintain constant contact with their constituents to foster a sense of conviviality between the governing and governed classes. The meeting was attended by the Second Deputy Speaker, MPs from the region, and Parliamentary staff, marking the beginning of the 30th-anniversary celebrations in the Ashanti region.
