The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has stated that numerous parliaments worldwide are observing Ghana’s parliament closely, especially given its effective management amidst a hung situation.
He specifically mentioned South Africa as among those learning from Ghana’s parliamentary practices.
“Many parliaments have been coming to learn from us how we are making it,” he added.
Speaking on Sunday, June 30 during his visit to Asantehene Otumfuor Osei Tutu II as part of the 30th anniversary celebrations in the Ashanti region, Bagbin emphasized that many parliaments are seeking insights into how Ghana manages its affairs.
He also called for a constitutional amendment to allow chiefs to participate in active politics, arguing that chiefs play crucial roles in local development yet are currently restricted by the 1992 Constitution’s provisions.
Article 276 of the 1992 Constitution says: ‘(1) A chief shall not take part in active party politics; and any chief wishing to do so and seeking election to Parliament shall abdicate his stool or skin; (2) Notwithstanding clause (1) of this article and paragraph (c) of clause (3) of article 94 of this Constitution, a chief may be appointed to any public office of which he is otherwise qualified’.
Accompanied by his spouse, the Second Deputy Speaker, MPs from the region, and parliamentary staff, Bagbin expressed gratitude to Otumfuor for his counsel and pledged transparency and accountability in steering Ghana’s 8th Parliament.
But the Speaker of Parliament says this must change.
“The 1992 Constitution has stabilized democracy in Ghana but there is a lot for us to do to refine it to better suit our situation. I want to call on the future government to take this seriously, we need to amend the 1992 Constitution.
“I disagree with those who say that our chiefs should not participate in active politics, politics is about development, the chief lead the development and you say they should not participate in it yet the politicians every day are knocking at their doors,”
Otumfuor cautioned against the excessive monetization of elections, urging MPs to maintain close ties with constituents for effective governance.