Parliamentary Leadership Holds Public Forum In Sunyani

Accountability is at the heart of every parliamentary democracy where elected representatives have the right and responsibility to have government leaders and officials explain fully what decisions and actions have been taken and why. First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Ebo Barton Oduro said this at a leadership forum held in Sunyani,
the Brong Ahafo Regional Capital.

The well attended forum was aimed at sensitizing the public on the activities and the work of the legislature. And under the Theme: Citizens' Participation in Parliamentary work: the cornerstone of Parliamentary Democracy.

Hon. Barton Oduro noted that, Parliament uses a number of mechanisms to exact accountability from government and they include Parliamentary Question Time where Ministers of State are summoned before the House to answer questions filed by MPs. "The Questions are always expressions of your concerns as constituents and they range from bad roads to poor educational and health infrastructure among others."

He added that, Parliament has also instituted an Outreach Programme where periodically Town Hall meetings are held for members of districts and communities to interact with their MPs. "The Outreach programme is to complement the Leadership Forum and to draw Parliament closer to the people. This is borne out of the belief that the public should be given opportunity to scrutinize their elected representatives."

Hon. Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, Majority Leader of Parliament, said a corollary to Accountability is Transparency and this involves making sure that the processes of governance and the delivery of public services are open and accessible to the public. "This also allows the public to assess the performance of public sector agencies, including Parliament."
He also charged the media to professionalize in reporting parliamentary business.

Hon. Kwaku Agyemang Manu, Member of Parliament for Dormaa Central, advised all present to stop hiding behind 'democracy' to insult leaders/state officials.

He said the job of an MP is a public service, and urged the public to support the MPs to achieve a good result.

Nana Bofotia Boa Amponsem II, Krontihene of Sunyani Traditional Area, advised that, MPs should not make promises they cannot fulfill or not within their mandate.