The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has renewed calls for the construction of a permanent Parliamentary complex, describing the Legislature’s continued operation from the State House as inconsistent with its status as an independent arm of government.
Speaking at the launch of Parliament’s Corporate Strategic Plan (2026–2030) in Accra, Mr Bagbin appealed to the Executive to allocate land near the State House enclave for the project, arguing that the current tenancy arrangement undermines Parliament’s autonomy and efficiency.
“We have been crying, and I hope you will support us so that at least we should be liberated from being tenants of the State House to our own premises as an arm of government,” he stated.
The Speaker pointed to infrastructural and operational limitations within the enclave, noting that access to certain facilities, including the banquet hall, comes at a cost to Parliament.
His renewed appeal coincided with the unveiling of a new five-year strategic blueprint aimed at strengthening legislative performance, oversight, and service delivery. The plan envisions a more inclusive, proactive and evidence-driven Legislature anchored in constitutional principles.
Mr Bagbin also disclosed that Parliament has begun piloting an electronic voting system to streamline decision-making in the House.
“We are starting with the pilot, and we believe it will ease all the struggles when it comes to decision-making in the House,” he said.
The Strategic Plan outlines five priority areas: legislative management; oversight and accountability; representation; parliamentary diplomacy; and support services. It was developed through consultations with civil society groups, development partners and other stakeholders.
First Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Steering Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, explained that the framework aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, the African Union Agenda 2063, and Ghana’s national development objectives. He said it adopts a programme-based approach to enhance tracking, accountability and alignment between daily parliamentary work and long-term goals.
Members of the Steering Committee include Madam Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui, Mr Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Mr Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, Mr Richmond Edem Kofi Kpotosu and Mr Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah.
Both Majority and Minority leaders pledged bipartisan support for the implementation of the plan. Deputy Minority Leader, Mrs Patricia Appiagyei, assured her Caucus’s backing, while Majority Leader Mr Mahama Ayariga described the document as a homegrown framework shaped by broad public consultation.
“This document is for making sure that the members that come here perform the critical role of passing the best legislation, advocating for their constituencies and holding other institutions accountable,” he said.
Mr Bagbin emphasised that beyond infrastructure and reforms, Parliament remains committed to deepening transparency and democratic accountability, urging citizens to remain vigilant in holding public officials to account.
