Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin, has marketed Ghana as a prime destination for investment opportunities citing its reputation as the most stable democracy country in West Africa.
He emphasized Ghana’s unique status as a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation, with a population of approximately 33.8 million and abundant natural resources and its classification as a lower-middle-income economy.
According to him, since the inception of the 4th Republic in 1993, Ghana has experienced three peaceful transfers of power making it a very ripe destination for investments.
Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin was Speaking at the 2024 National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Legislative Summit in Louisville, Kentucky, USA.
The 17-member Ghana delegation comprises key figures from both the Majority and Minority leadership of the House, members of the Parliamentary Service Board, the Clerk to Parliament, and senior legislative staff.
He stated, “We have enjoyed 67 years of self-government and freedom since gaining independence from Great Britain on 6th March 1957.”
“Ghana has had five constitutions, drawing from the British Westminster system, the American Presidential system, or a hybrid of both. The 1992 Constitution, effective from 7th January 1993, combines key features from the Westminster, American Presidential, and traditional customary systems,” he explained.
The Speaker discussed the distinctive nature of Ghana’s current Parliament, describing it as a hung Parliament with neither major political party holding a majority.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) each have 137 Members of Parliament, with one independent Member serving as the 2nd Deputy Speaker. ”
As the Speaker, I am not a Member of Parliament but a member of the National Democratic Congress, which is not in power,” he added.
The Speaker recounted the longstanding relationship between the Ghanaian Parliament and the NCSL, dating back to 2002 and 2003.
This partnership included a project titled “Legislative Enhancement in Ghana—Managing and Administering the Parliament,” funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The initiative identified key legislative officials who could influence change and strengthen Ghana’s democracy.
Currently, Ghana has two representatives on the International Legislative Advisory Council (ILAC) of the NCSL: Hon. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, a former Majority Leader and MP for Suame Constituency, and Mr. Cyril Kwabena Oteng Nsiah, the Clerk to Parliament.
Bagbin expressed gratitude for their recognition and confidence that they would advance democratic ideals globally.
Looking forward to the upcoming elections, the Speaker remarked, “On the 7th of December, this year, Ghana will hold both parliamentary and presidential elections. Having conducted eight successful elections since 1993, we are optimistic that this year’s election will uphold our status as a beacon of democracy on the continent.”
He also expressed hope for smooth elections in the United States this November, emphasizing there is no alternative to democracy.