Speaker urges first-time MPs to embody integrity, tolerance

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has called on first-time Members of Parliament (MPs) also referred to as ‘Backbenchers’ to uphold the values of integrity, honesty, and tolerance in their work. 

Addressing the MPs at the maiden "Time with the Speaker" programme at his official residence in Accra last Sunday, Mr Bagbin emphasised the need for lawmakers to work together and listen to each other's views.

“You are prepared to listen to your colleague no matter the views expressed by your colleague. Listen to the colleague, agree and disagree in civility,” he said, urging MPs to avoid intolerance and intimidation.

Time with Speaker

The programme provided a platform for first-time MPs to interact informally with the Speaker and Parliament's leadership, fostering mentorship and collaboration.

It featured discussions on parliamentary procedures, leadership, and the importance of integrity and tolerance in public service.

Mr Bagbin stressed the importance of understanding the distinct roles of Parliament and individual MPs, saying, "They are different from the duties of a Member of Parliament. Let's keep this in mind, our differences, the way we want life to be conducted".

He also highlighted the need for MPs to balance their parliamentary work with constituency duties, noting that it's challenging to combine both responsibilities. 

Integrity

Mr Bagbin praised the new MPs for their unique blend of experience, education and professionalism, saying, "You are actually unique. As a country, we are blessed to have people like you as the first timers of the Ninth Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana."

The Speaker also highlighted the success of the MPs' orientation programme, which he said had helped them get to know one another better. 

He encouraged the MPs to continue sharing experiences and knowledge, and announced plans to extend the "Time with the Speaker" programme to other MPs, the media and the public.

Mr Bagbin expressed his gratitude to Ghanaians for their support. He said it was an opportunity and privilege to serve them as the nation strives to consolidate its democracy and rule of law.

Leadership

The Deputy Minority Leader in Parliament, Patricia Appiagyei, for her part, commended the Speaker for his innovative approach to engaging first-time MPs, describing the event as a "real novelty" and urged the Speaker to extend similar opportunities to continuing MPs.

She noted that the programme had helped to bridge the gap between the Speaker and MPs, and encouraged the continuation of such initiatives.

Ms Appiagyei, who is also the New Patriotic Party MP for Asokwa, took the opportunity to suggest improvements to the parliamentary orientation programme, saying that some aspects had been lacking and urged the designers of the programme to take a critical look at the content and ensure that new MPs are equipped with the right skills and knowledge.

The Deputy Minority Leader assured the Speaker that the minority caucus would work to ensure that all MPs are well-equipped to conduct their responsibilities and deliver for their constituents.

She also requested that the Speaker consider engaging continuing MPs, noting that they may also have challenges that need to be addressed.

For her part, the Deputy Majority Chief Whip, Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe-Ghansah, urged the first-time MPs to take advantage of the opportunities available to them and make the most of their parliamentary experience.

Ms Cujoe-Ghansah, who is also the National Democratic Congress MP for Ada, noted that the current parliamentary environment is more supportive of first-time MPs than in previous Parliaments.

“I can see a lot of goodwill for the first-timers," she said and encouraged them to be bold and take advantage of the resources available to them.

She also encouraged new MPs to familiarise themselves with the standing orders and the Constitution to enable them contribute effectively to proceedings on the floor of Parliament.

Ms Cujoe-Ghansah concluded by urging first-time MPs to be bold and make their voices heard in the chamber, saying, "My dear sisters and brothers, the chamber itself is intimidating.

So if you don't embolden yourself and make yourself available always in the chamber to make sure you also add your voice, if you are not careful, you will just come and warm your seat in the chamber and leave for the four years."