The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has proposed the organisation of a national conference between the Parliament of Ghana and the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to enhance the legislative capacity of local government bodies.
Making the proposal during a book launch at Parliament House in Accra, he explained that such a platform would equip Assemblies with the knowledge and skills needed to draft effective by-laws, rules and regulations that guide their operations.
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He emphasised that while Parliament continues to fulfil its constitutional mandate of lawmaking, oversight and representation, it must also support MMDAs to strengthen local governance.
Mr Bagbin said the initiative would promote collaboration, improve institutional efficiency and ensure that by-laws passed at the local level align with national laws while addressing community needs.
He added that empowering Assemblies through capacity-building would reinforce Ghana’s decentralisation agenda and enhance service delivery across districts.
The Speaker launched two books authored by lawyer and parliamentary scholar Benjamin Tachie Antiedu, which aim to promote transparency and accountability in governance.
The publications, Parliamentary Language in Ghana: A Citizen’s Guide and Subsidiary Legislature in Ghana: Principles, Practice, and Procedure, offer insights into legislative language, processes and the principles underpinning subsidiary legislation.
Addressing the gathering, Mr Bagbin highlighted the importance of understanding parliamentary language, noting its foundations in Latin and its deep connection to parliamentary history and tradition.
He stressed that parliamentary communication goes beyond ordinary English, involving expressions and concepts shaped by long-standing procedures and conventions.
The Speaker said the books would contribute to Ghana’s constitutional development by encouraging sound research, clarity in legislative expression and respect for constitutional principles.
He added that they would serve as valuable resources for citizens, students and practitioners seeking to understand parliamentary work and promote effective governance.
