The Parliament of Ghana, in partnership with the Parliamentary Network Africa (PNAfrica), announce the inaugural “Open Parliament Week,” set to take place over three days from October 30 to November 2 2024.
The event aligns with the current parliamentary session and marks Ghana’s commitment to building stronger connections between Parliament and its citizens.
Held globally to bridge the gap between legislative bodies and the people they represent, Open Parliament Week allows citizens to better understand their Parliament’s functions and the work of their representatives.
Through this initiative, the Ghanaian Parliament aims to provide the public with insights into its roles, responsibilities, and procedures, while promoting transparency and building trust with the people.
The Open Parliament Week supports Ghana’s commitment to open government principles and enhancing civic engagement in democracy.
Key Highlights of Open Parliament Week
Opening Ceremony and Exhibition Launch: The week will kick off with an official opening ceremony led by the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Alban S.K. Bagbin, alongside other Parliamentary leaders. This session will introduce the event’s objectives and open the exhibition hall for attendees.
Exhibitions by Parliamentary Departments and Civil Society: Throughout the week, select Parliamentary departments and civil society organizations will present exhibits to showcase their work, products, and services. These hands-on displays, supported by development partners, highlight efforts to strengthen parliamentary democracy and good governance across Ghana.
Seminars and Panel Discussions: The Open Parliament Week will feature seminars and panel discussions on a range of national and global issues, encouraging dialogue between Parliament, civil society, and the public.
Observation of Parliamentary Sessions: Attendees will have the chance to observe live parliamentary sessions from the public gallery, offering a firsthand view of Ghana’s legislative processes.
Public Engagement and Media Coverage: The event will receive extensive media coverage, including live-streaming to reach a broader virtual audience across Ghana.
Participation and Engagement
Open Parliament Week invites a diverse array of participants, including civil society organizations (CSOs), think tanks, academic institutions, student parliaments, and media representatives.
This broad participation is expected to foster meaningful interaction and understanding between the public and their Parliament, advancing the principles of transparency and accountability in Ghana’s governance.