News
Speaker of Parliament launches capacity building project in collaboration with World Bank and UK FCDO
The Parliament of Ghana took a significant step towards strengthening its legislative core as the Speaker, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin officially launched a US$ 1,600.00 Million capacity-building project.
This initiative, developed through a partnership with the World Bank and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), is designed to enhance the skills of Members of Parliament and their staff in areas of economic and financial governance.
At the launch, the Speaker expressed his gratitude to both organizations, emphasizing that this collaboration would reinforce Ghana’s democracy and support Parliament in fulfilling its constitutional mandate more effectively.
The project, entitled “Building the Capacity of Parliamentarians for Economic and Financial Governance,” was introduced by representatives from the World Bank and FCDO, who highlighted its importance in modernizing the legislative process.
The Speaker noted that the initiative would deepen existing partnerships between Ghana, the UK, and the international development community.
He underscored that a retooled Parliament would not only improve legislative efficiency but also help restore confidence in democratic governance and promote sound economic oversight.
In welcoming the project, the Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror outlined its potential to expand the engagement between Parliament and development partners.
He pointed out that by equipping Parliament with better tools and expertise, the institution would be more capable of discharging its legislative and oversight responsibilities benefiting the entire nation and its citizens.
Representatives from the UK, including Keith McMahon of FCDO and Ms. Michelle Keane of the World Bank, voiced the importance of continuous development in parliamentary procedures.
They emphasized that enhancing MPs’ understanding of legislative processes and financial management would foster greater accountability and transparency.
According to them, this would help combat corruption and ensure that public funds are managed prudently, aligning with Ghana’s sustainable development goals.
Leaders from both sides of the house, Mahama Ayariga and Alexander Afenyo-Markin, highlighted the importance of the initiative, describing it as both timely and impactful.
They called on committee leaders to assume full responsibility for the project and work steadfastly to ensure its successful rollout.
United in purpose, they expressed confidence that this effort would enhance Parliament’s efficiency and contribute significantly to Ghana’s broader development objectives.
The 24 Hour Economy Authority has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hunan Architectural Design Institute Group to support the planning of the Volta Economic Corridor.
The agreement aims to guide how land within the corridor will be used, design key infrastructure, and develop systems that will support large scale production.
The partnership will focus on detailed planning to make the area ready for investment and smooth business operations.
The project will include the development of agroecological parks, industrial zones, and transport networks to connect production centres to markets.
According to the Authority, proper planning is critical to building strong economic systems and expanding production across the corridor.
It noted that the collaboration with the Chinese design firm will help lay a solid foundation for industrial growth and long term development within the Volta Economic Corridor.
By: Jacob Aggrey
President of the Ghana Bar Association, Efua Ghartey, has called on judges and lawyers to carry out their duties with humility, fairness, and a strong sense of responsibility.
She made the appeal during the Supreme Court at 150 celebration held at the University of Ghana, under the theme “Honouring the past, celebrating the present and defining the future.”
Addressing participants, she noted that those in the legal profession occupy positions of great power and influence, and must therefore remain humble in the discharge of their duties.
She urged both the bench and the bar to deliver justice without fear or ill will, stressing the need for fairness in handling cases.
Reflecting on the significance of the celebration, she explained that the year 1876 marks not only the establishment of the Supreme Court but also the beginning of formally trained lawyers in the Gold Coast.
The GBA President questioned what Ghana would be without the rule of law, which is upheld by judges and lawyers, adding that the country could descend into a system where only the strongest survive if justice is not properly administered.
She further encouraged legal practitioners to reflect on their responsibilities and remain committed to upholding the rule of law for the benefit of all citizens.
By: Jacob Aggrey
