Bagbin Urges Parliamentary Committees to Focus on Improving Public Administration

Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has called on parliamentary committees to prioritize improving public administration and ensuring accountability. He made this statement at the Annual Parliamentary Committees Leadership Programme 2026 on November 7, 2026. According to Bagbin, parliamentary oversight should aim to identify weaknesses in public institutions, expose inefficiencies, and demand corrective action to improve governance. This approach will help promote good governance and ensure that public institutions work in the interests of Ghanaians.

Bagbin stressed that parliamentary committees must carry out their duties objectively, putting the country's interests above political considerations. He emphasized that committee members must remain independent and ensure their findings are based on evidence rather than party loyalty. This approach will help build trust in the committees and ensure that their work is credible. The Speaker also urged lawmakers to build consensus when dealing with issues in Parliament, particularly given the strong influence of the two major political parties, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The Speaker highlighted the importance of consensus-building in Parliament, stating that disagreements between parties could make policy implementation difficult. He encouraged committee members to consider different views and produce reports that could withstand public scrutiny. When committees examine public spending, their work should go beyond determining how much money has been spent to establish whether projects have delivered the expected results and value for money. This approach will help ensure that public funds are used efficiently and effectively.

Bagbin also emphasized the need for stronger systems to ensure that recommendations made by parliamentary committees are implemented. He said committee reports should not simply be submitted and left unattended but should be followed up to determine whether institutions have acted on the recommendations. This approach will help ensure that the work of parliamentary committees leads to tangible improvements in public administration and service delivery.

The Speaker noted that the success of parliamentary oversight should be measured by the improvements it brings to public institutions and service delivery. He urged committee members to assess the quality and functionality of projects, as well as their contribution to the welfare of citizens and the economy. This approach will help ensure that public institutions are held accountable for their actions and that they work in the best interests of Ghanaians.

Effective oversight is essential to strengthening accountability and ensuring that public institutions work in the interests of Ghanaians. Bagbin's comments highlight the importance of objective and evidence-based oversight in promoting good governance. By prioritizing improvements in public administration and ensuring accountability, parliamentary committees can help build trust in government and promote economic growth.

The Annual Parliamentary Committees Leadership Programme 2026 provided a platform for Bagbin to emphasize the importance of effective oversight. The programme aimed to equip committee members with the skills and knowledge needed to carry out their duties effectively. By engaging with committee members and providing guidance on best practices, the Speaker hopes to promote a culture of accountability and transparency in Parliament.

Key points

• Parliamentary oversight should prioritize improving public administration and ensuring accountability.
• Committee members must carry out their duties objectively, putting the country's interests above political considerations.
• Stronger systems are needed to ensure that recommendations made by parliamentary committees are implemented.