The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Bernard Ahiafor, has called on Members of Parliament to strengthen their data literacy skills to enhance decision-making and improve oversight responsibilities.
He made the appeal at the opening ceremony of the International Data Masterclass for Members of Parliament, held under the theme “Advancing Evidence-Based Parliament: Leveraging Data for Better Decisions.”
Hon. Ahiafor noted that the programme is designed to equip lawmakers with the capacity to better engage with data and evidence, thereby enriching committee work and strengthening policy oversight.
The event brought together key parliamentary and diplomatic figures, including the Majority Leader, Hon. Mahama Ayariga; Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror; Political Counsellor at the British High Commission, Mr. Hooman Nouruzi; and Mr. Tim Harris of the UK Office for National Statistics.
Stakeholders from the Parliamentary Training Institute, Ghana Statistical Service, the British High Commission, the United Kingdom Office for National Statistics, and the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs also participated, underscoring the collaborative effort to advance evidence-based governance.
The masterclass is expected to deepen MPs’ appreciation of data-driven approaches to legislation, oversight, and representation, positioning Parliament to respond more effectively to national and global challenges.
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