Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has inaugurated the 9th Parliamentary Service Board, emphasizing the need for lawmakers to prioritize accountability, bipartisan collaboration, and responsive governance.
This move is seen as a crucial step towards addressing the pressing national challenges facing Ghana.
During the ceremony, Speaker Bagbin underscored the Board’s pivotal role in strengthening institutional integrity and fostering a legislative environment anchored in public trust and democratic principles.
“The Parliamentary Service Board has a critical responsibility to promote the welfare of Members of Parliament and Staff of the Service,” he noted, highlighting the Board’s importance in ensuring the smooth functioning of Parliament.
The Parliamentary Service Board, established in 1993 by the Parliamentary Service Act (Act 460), is composed of six members, with the Speaker of Parliament as the Chairman.
The Board’s membership includes Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, Clerk to Parliament; Mahama Ayariga, MP for Bawku Central and Majority Leader; Alexander Afenyo-Markin, MP for Effutu and Minority Leader; Angela Oforiwa Alorwu-Tay, former MP for Afadjato South; and Dr. Mark Assibey-Yeboah, former MP for New Juaben South.
The First and Second Deputy Speakers, Bernard Ahiafor and Andrew Asiamah, respectively, are co-opted members.
As the 9th Parliament works to address pressing national challenges, Bagbin’s emphasis on accountability, bipartisan collaboration, and responsive governance is seen as a welcome move.
The Parliamentary Service Board’s role in promoting institutional integrity and fostering a legislative environment anchored in public trust and democratic principles will be crucial in supporting the Parliament’s efforts.
In his address, Bagbin outlined the responsibilities of the Parliamentary Service Board, as mandated by Article 124 of the Constitution and Section 4 of the Parliamentary Service Act, 1993 (Act 460).
The Board’s responsibilities include promoting the welfare of Members of Parliament and Staff of the Service, as well as having general control of the management of the Service in matters of policy.
-BY Daniel Bampoe
