Bagbin urges MPs to put public interest ahead of party politics
By Ashiadey Dotse The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has urged parliamentary committees to put the public interest above political party considerations when examining proposed legislation. He said bills should be assessed based on their value to the country rather than whether they were introduced by the governing party or the opposition. Speaking […]
Parliamentary Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has called on members of the House to prioritize the nation's best interests over party politics. Speaking at the Annual Parliamentary Committees Leadership Programme 2026, Mr. Bagbin emphasized that bills should be evaluated based on their value to the country, regardless of their origin.
He stressed that supporting a bill solely due to government backing, or rejecting one merely because of its opposition party affiliation, is not appropriate. Mr. Bagbin urged committee members to meticulously assess each proposed law's constitutional validity, policy objectives, financial implications, and practical enforceability.
His primary focus was on ensuring the legislation serves the public's interests. He also encouraged committee leaders to utilize the diverse expertise within the Parliamentary Service, including legal, procedural, and legislative drafting skills, to prevent drafting errors. While acknowledging MPs do not need to adopt all expert advice, Mr. Bagbin urged thoughtful consideration before deviating from established legal interpretations.
In addition to procedural matters, Mr. Bagbin emphasized the importance of public participation in lawmaking, stating that stakeholder consultations must allow informed contributions to enrich parliamentary discussions. He expressed concern over disagreements among stakeholders regarding bills impacting sectors like agriculture, trade, and industry, and called for a further review of such legislation.
Mr. Bagbin reminded MPs and party leaders that their conduct in Parliament is a reflection of public trust and must embody impartiality, transparency, responsibility, and respect for the Constitution. He urged political party leaders to set a positive example by conducting parliamentary proceedings with integrity. Ultimately, Mr. Bagbin stressed that the quality of parliamentary work should be judged by how effectively Parliament serves the people of Ghana, not by political interests.
Written by urgent.news from GBC Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
