The Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has inaugurated the new Supplementary Office Complex, a strategic initiative aimed at bolstering parliamentary services and enhancing democratic governance in Ghana.
The facility was officially unveiled on October 29, and it is designed to strengthen Parliament’s operational capacity, particularly in oversight and legislative duties that serve the interests of the public.
Addressing attendees at the inauguration ceremony, Speaker Bagbin highlighted Parliament’s pivotal role in the democratic framework of the country.
He remarked, “Any democracy anywhere is as good as its Parliament. If the people are to benefit from democratic governments, it is the Parliament, which is the mirror of democracy, that should be the focus that should be strengthened.”
Emphasizing that the responsibility of strengthening Parliament lies not just with lawmakers but with all citizens, Bagbin called on Ghanaians to actively support the institution’s mandate.
He stated, “Strengthening Parliament is not just the duty of Parliament, but of everybody. We have to work together to ensure that our people don’t suffer and struggle to elect us in vain.”
The Speaker underscored that Parliament holds the exclusive function of oversight, which is critical for ensuring that resources, rights, and responsibilities are effectively applied for the benefit of all citizens.
He described the new office complex as a vital investment in Ghana’s democratic infrastructure, reiterating the importance of using such resources wisely.
Speaker Bagbin however encouraged Ghanaians to leverage this investment in Parliament to build a democracy that “leaves nobody behind.”
The complex, part of the Parliamentary Supplementary Office Project, features a variety of facilities aimed at improving operational efficiency and professional development.
Key components include the Parliamentary Training Institute, which will offer tailored training programs, and specialized offices such as the Office of Budget and Fiscal Analysis, the Office of Policy Analysis, and the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology.
In his welcome address, Clerk to Parliament Cyril Kwabena Oteng Nsiah urged all members and staff to contribute to the maintenance and sustainability of the complex, highlighting the importance of preserving the infrastructure for future generations.
He celebrated the facility as a significant milestone for the Parliamentary Service and a means to enhance Parliament’s ability to fulfill its constitutional duties in the face of modern legislative challenges.
The newly unveiled office complex is expected to play a crucial role in empowering Parliament to better serve the people and uphold their democratic rights.
Source:expressnewsghana.com