Speaker and the new MPs
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has called for the establishment of a structured mentorship system in Parliament to guide first-time Members of Parliament (MPs) as they navigate their new roles.
The initiative, announced during an informal engagement with new MPs, aims to strengthen collaboration, institutional memory, and legislative effectiveness across the Legislature.
The Speaker explained that experienced legislators mentoring newcomers would help bridge knowledge gaps, ensuring continuity and fostering a culture of integrity, civility, and active participation.
He stressed that such a system would enable new MPs to balance party loyalty with national interest while effectively contributing to the country’s democratic processes.
“Parliament has matured over the years, evolving from rigid, confrontational partisanship to a cooperative multiparty environment. Our duty is to maintain this progress while guiding new members to uphold both party principles and national priorities,” he said.
Speaker Bagbin emphasised that partisanship is not inherently harmful, indicating that it only becomes problematic when misused.
According to Mr. Bagbin, the country’s multiparty system relies on diverse viewpoints, which are essential for a healthy democracy.
He encouraged MPs to specialise in legislative areas and actively participate in committee work, which he described as the engine of Parliament, critical for delivering meaningful representation.
The Speaker also explained misconceptions about MPs’ privileges and immunities, noting that these protections safeguard the people’s voice and allow representatives to perform their duties without undue interference.
He highlighted concerns over neglected constitutional provisions for local assembly members and pledged to strengthen decentralisation, insisting that Parliament, rather than the Executive, must determine the allocation of key funds such as the District Assemblies Common Fund.
Mr. Bagbin urged MPs to embrace unity in diversity and reject divisive narratives, while also defending parliamentary dress as a reflection of Ghanaian culture and pride.
He commended the MPs for their contributions in recent sessions and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting their growth in leadership, ethics, and legislative excellence.
By Ernest Kofi Adu, Parliament House