BY VALENTIA TETTEH
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has launched two new books aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and public understanding of Ghana’s parliamentary processes.
The publications, “Parliamentary Language in Ghana: A Citizen’s Guide” and “Subsidiary Legislation in Ghana: Principles, Practice, and Procedure”, offer detailed insights into parliamentary language, procedures, and the principles that guide legislative work.
Speaking at the launch at Parliament House in Accra, Mr. Bagbin underscored the importance of understanding the unique language of Parliament, noting that it is built not only on laws and Standing Orders but also on long-standing traditions and practices.
“Parliamentary language is not just English. It draws from Latin and centuries of democratic tradition. To fully appreciate parliamentary decisions, one must understand the origins and meanings of the expressions we use,” the Speaker said.
Authored by Benjamin Tachie Antiedu, Esq., the two books aim to strengthen the intellectual foundation of Ghana’s constitutional democracy by promoting clarity of expression, sound research, and respect for constitutional values.
The Speaker also reiterated the need for effective decentralisation, stressing that while the structures exist, local governments require greater capacity to deliver on development responsibilities.
Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Djietror, praised the initiative, noting that the publications would help enhance transparency, improve public engagement, and support informed decision-making.
“Collaboration and knowledge-sharing are vital. When citizens understand the work of Parliament, trust is strengthened,” he said.
The author, Mr. Tachie Antiedu, expressed hope that the books would demystify parliamentary processes for journalists, students, researchers, and citizens. He emphasised that democracy thrives when citizens understand and engage with the institutions that serve them.
The launch ended with an auction, during which the Speaker purchased the first copy for GH¢50,000.
