Parliament has secured £800,000 in funding from the World Bank, with backing from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), to train Members of Parliament (MPs) in economic and financial governance.
The 18-month initiative, titled “Building the Capacity of Parliamentarians for Economic and Financial Governance,” was officially launched on June 18, 2025. It aims to strengthen Parliament’s oversight role by equipping MPs—especially new legislators—with the skills and knowledge needed to scrutinise fiscal policies, public spending, and economic development strategies.
Speaking at the launch, Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin described the programme as a timely intervention that will “foster effective governance, accountability, and transparent management of public resources”.
The training will benefit key parliamentary committees, including Finance, Budget, Economy and Development, Assurances, and Public Accounts. It will also support the newly established Office for Parliamentary Analysis and the Citizens’ Bureau.
According to the Parliamentary Service, the programme will deliver technical assistance in areas such as public financial management, tax policy, and macroeconomic analysis. It will also produce training materials, toolkits, and handbooks to support ongoing capacity-building efforts.
Michelle Keane, Acting World Bank Country Director for Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, emphasised the importance of the initiative, stating that it will help MPs “evaluate allocations and uses of government expenditures and revenues” and ensure that fiscal decisions align with long-term development goals.
Keith McMahon, Chargé d’Affaires at the British High Commission in Accra, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to Ghana’s democratic and economic progress. “We are proud to support both the public and parliamentarians to deliver the best economic outcomes for the country through this new partnership,” he said.
The initiative is expected to enhance Parliament’s ability to conduct thorough legislative reviews, improve fiscal discipline, and promote transparency in the use of public funds.
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