The Citizen Bureau, in collaboration with PN Africa, a Parliamentary Monitoring Organization, has convened the 9th Edition of the Crystal Series to assess the work of the 9th Parliament and explore ways of making the legislature more accountable to citizens through effective legislation and robust processes.
Instituted in 2015, the Crystal Ball Series has become a platform for reflection and dialogue. This edition focused on the 1st Session of the 9th Parliament, providing stakeholders with an opportunity to share lessons learned and chart a way forward.
Presenting research findings, PN Africa’s Executive Secretary, Sammy Obeng, highlighted gaps in citizen engagement with Parliament, stressing that participation remains woefully inadequate. He also underscored the need to create more opportunities for female MPs to contribute meaningfully on the floor of the House.
Minority Leader Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin and Majority Chief Whip Hon. Rockson Dafeamekpor discussed the composition of the House and its impact on their respective caucuses. They also examined the use of certificates of urgency, raising concerns about how the mechanism is applied in legislative processes.
The 1st Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to supporting female MPs, outlining rules of debate and urging both Members and citizens to be mindful of these in evaluating parliamentary work.
Deputy Clerk in charge of Legislative Management Services, Camillo Pwamang, presented the agenda for the meeting, while Dr. Kojo Asante of the CDD emphasized the importance of transparency and accessibility in making Parliament more relatable to citizens.
The discussions underscored a shared commitment to strengthening parliamentary accountability, with participants calling for reforms that ensure inclusivity, transparency, and effective citizen participation in Ghana’s democratic process.
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