Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin on Tuesday commissioned the newly constructed Parliament Supplementary Office building complex at Parliament House.
The five-storey building complex, located behind the Job 600 Annex Building Block, will house the Parliamentary Training Institute, some key departments and specialists’ offices, commercial banks, and convenience shops.
Construction of the office complex began in June 2021, with Messrs. ADK Consortium as the project consultant and Messrs. China State Hualong Construction Limited as the contractor.
In attendance at the event were former Speaker Aaron Mike Oquaye and Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia, a member of the Parliamentary Service Board and Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). The building was dedicated by Reverend Aku Ofori Boateng, Director of Programmes of the Anglican Diocese of Accra.
In his address, Speaker Bagbin lauded the contributions of his predecessors, such as Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye and Mr. Edward Doe Adjaho, towards the project. “Let me first express my joy over the completion of this project – Parliament Supplementary Office Project, which commenced a few years ago,” he stated.
“The inauguration of this important project today marks another significant milestone in our quest to enhance the infrastructure base of the Parliamentary Service, as part of strategies to transform the institution into a resilient and dynamic parliamentary administration.”
Speaker Bagbin highlighted that the Parliamentary Service Board, for the past three and a half years, had implemented various policies and measures to improve support services to Parliament through restructuring the Parliamentary Service.
“Let me emphasize here that our resolve and collective effort to provide the Parliamentary Service with the requisite facilities to enhance its service delivery is what has translated into this beautiful edifice that we all see today,” he said.
The Speaker added that the complex is designed to meet the evolving needs of the organization, featuring flexible workspaces and cutting-edge technology.
“Let me assure you that we will not rest on our oars. The Board, together with Management, will continue to improve our infrastructural facilities and create a working environment of comparable international standards,” he stated.
He noted that the inclusion of commercial stores in the new building aims to create an ecosystem that enhances productivity by reducing time and energy spent searching for necessities for smooth office operations, including those of Members of Parliament.
Speaker Bagbin commended Messrs. ADK Consortium, the project consultant, and Messrs. China State Hualong Construction Limited, the contractor, for completing the project on schedule.
He also acknowledged the hard work and commitment of the officers in Parliament’s Development Services Sub-Division, including Works, Facilities, and Estate.
“As we unveil this building for use by the Service, I encourage each of you to take ownership of this space; let us make it our own by taking very good care of it through a proactive maintenance culture,” he said.
“It is my prayer that this facility will continue to stay fit and functional for the benefit of present and future generations.”
Mr. Cyril K.O. Nsiah, the Clerk to Parliament, expressed gratitude to the Chairman (Speaker Bagbin) and members of the Parliamentary Service Board for their dedication to improving Parliament’s infrastructure to achieve organizational goals.
