Ghana's Speaker Bagbin Urges MPs to Prioritize Public Interest Over Party Politics

Ghana's Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has emphasized the importance of prioritizing the public interest over party politics when evaluating proposed legislation. Speaking at the Annual Parliamentary Committees Leadership Programme 2026 on November 7, 2026, Mr. Bagbin urged committee members to carefully assess bills based on their value to the country, rather than their origin within the governing party or opposition.

Mr. Bagbin stressed that a bill should not receive favorable consideration solely due to government support, nor should it be rejected simply because it originates from a different political tradition. He encouraged committee members to examine the constitutional validity, policy objectives, financial implications, and practical enforceability of every proposed law before making recommendations. This approach ensures that the main consideration is whether the proposed legislation serves the interests of Ghanaians.

The Speaker of Parliament highlighted his role in protecting the public interest in parliamentary proceedings, rather than advancing the position of any political party. He acknowledged that individuals may interpret the public interest differently, but emphasized that this should always be the primary focus. Mr. Bagbin also encouraged committee leaders to utilize the research, legal, procedural, and legislative drafting expertise available within the Parliamentary Service to improve the quality of legislation.

According to Mr. Bagbin, Parliament has invested in training officers in these areas, including providing opportunities to study parliamentary practices abroad. These experts can help lawmakers avoid errors in drafting legislation, particularly with regards to legal terms that have already been interpreted by the courts. While MPs are not required to accept every piece of advice from experts, they need strong reasons before departing from established legal interpretations.

The Speaker also called for meaningful public participation in the lawmaking process, emphasizing that consultations with stakeholders must allow them to make informed contributions that enrich parliamentary discussions. He expressed concern about disagreements among stakeholders over the consideration of a bill affecting various sectors, including agriculture, trade, industry, and the wider economy. As a result, a further review of the proposed legislation is necessary.

Finally, Mr. Bagbin reminded MPs and party leaders that their conduct in Parliament is a matter of public trust and must reflect impartiality, transparency, responsibility, and respect for the Constitution. He urged party leaders to lead by example and ensure that parliamentary proceedings are conducted with integrity. The quality of parliamentary work should be measured by how effectively Parliament serves the people, rather than by political interests.

Key to this process is the role of parliamentary committees in scrutinizing proposed legislation. By prioritizing the public interest and leveraging expert advice, committees can ensure that laws passed by Parliament are in the best interests of Ghanaians. This approach can help build trust in the parliamentary process and promote effective governance.

Key points

• The Speaker of Parliament emphasizes prioritizing public interest over party politics in evaluating proposed legislation.
• Committee members are encouraged to utilize expert advice from the Parliamentary Service to improve the quality of legislation.
• Meaningful public participation is crucial in the lawmaking process to ensure that stakeholder concerns are addressed.