Speaker Alban Bagbin has called on Members of Parliament to change their attitudes and conduct and earn back the trust of the Ghanaian people in democratic institutions.
He said that despite the high demand for democracy in Ghana, there are serious challenges in delivering it, as evidenced by the low trust in public officials and agencies.
He added that this situation is not surprising, given the inconsistency between what politicians promise and what they do.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2023 post-budget workshop for members of Parliament on Saturday 18th November 2023, Mr. Alban S.K. Bagbin stressed the need for MPs, as elected representatives, to fulfill their obligations to those who have entrusted them with power.
“They are looking forward to MPs to prove they are worthy of the title duty bearers. As a new dispensation beckons, and very soon, we will find ourselves at the crucial point, where our fate rests in the hands of the people we represent,” he said.
He cited the Afrobarometer Survey Report conducted by the CDD in July 2022, which showed ratings for the courts (10%), the President (14%), the Electoral Commission (10%), and Parliament (8%).
The Speaker expressed dissatisfaction with the finding and urged the House to work to close the trust gap between Ghanaians and the legislature.
“This is the judgment of the people of Ghana and we must change our ways and the ways we conduct our business. I know it is a global phenomenon but is it for better or for worse,” he stated
Mr. Bagbin emphasized the constant scrutiny faced by MPs from the media and public auditors in terms of ethics, performance, and standards.
He urged MPs to wake up to this reality, recognizing that, as leaders, they have to act with intentionality and strive to improve the welfare of the people they represent.
“As leaders, we have to act with intentionality, always striving to improve upon the welfare of the people we represent. By embodying honor through our actions, we can earn a badge of honor beyond the mere title of Honorable,” he added.