The Rt Hon Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has charged members of Parliament to change their minds, attitudes, and the ways they conduct themselves and their business.
Following an Afrobarometer Survey Report conducted in July 2022, the trust ratings gave the percentages to the following institutions:Courts-10%, President-14%:Electoral Commission: 10%, and Parliament: 8%.
He added that, while the demand for democracy in Ghana remains high, the supply side is problematic. There is an indication of trust deficits in democratic institutions in Ghana.
“What else do we expect when we, as politicians, say one thing to the citizens and do a completely different thing?”
He also highlighted the cissonance and dissatisfaction with the performance of their core mandate of exercising their power in the interest and welfare of the people they represent.
He expressed worry about the rating.”If you are not worried about the rating, I am really distressed. I know it is a global phenomenon, but is it for better or for worse? Let’s all pander over it.”
He mentioned that he would be calling on the House soon to take a decisive step towards reclaiming the trust of the voters.
He assured citizens and partners in Ghana that their opinions, views, and constructive criticisms are highly appreciated.
“I can confidently confirm that your input has helped Parliament develop policies that reflect their needs and aspirations.”
Speaking at the post-budget workshop held in parliament, he added that, as elected public officials, we have a duty to those who have invested their trust in them and are looking forward to proving that they are worthy of the title of duty bearer.
According to him, a new dispensation beckons, and very soon, they will find themselves at a crucial point where their fate will rest in the hands of the people they represent.
Adding to his remarks, he said that together with leadership, they have decided to take a different approach this year in contrast to the usual format of listening and interacting with the facilitators.
“We want to challenge ourselves to analyse the budget more thoroughly. We aim at a deeper comprehension and impact of the government’s development plans, given the IMF bailout. We need to understand the approaches to resource allocation, distribution of income and wealth, stabilisation of the economy, and upholding the tenets of transparency, consensus building, accountability, and equity.”
He said it’s absolutely crucial that each and every member actively participates and engages in the post-budget workshop.
“We must all take ownership of our responsibility for overseeing policy implementation, programme management, expenditure monitoring, and achieving results with unwavering dedication and fervour for the betterment of our beloved country and people.” He said.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana