Accra, Ghana – The Speaker of Parliament has called on the Public Affairs Subdivision of Parliament to transform its communication strategy and strengthen engagement with citizens, emphasizing that effective public communication is essential to deepening democracy and restoring public confidence in the Legislature.
The call was made during a high-level meeting with the Coordinating Director, Directors, and staff of the Public Affairs Subdivision, held to review the unit’s performance and chart a new direction for parliamentary public engagement.
Speaker Calls for Improved Public Engagement
Addressing the gathering, the Speaker stressed that the Public Affairs Subdivision serves as the primary link between Parliament and the Ghanaian public and must therefore embrace innovation, transparency, and professionalism in communicating the work of the Legislature.
He noted that improving public understanding of parliamentary activities is crucial to building trust in democratic institutions and encouraging greater citizen participation in governance.
According to the Speaker, Parliament must become more accessible to the people by ensuring that legislative information is communicated clearly and effectively across the country.
Stronger Partnership with the NCCE
The meeting was attended by the Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), highlighting plans to strengthen collaboration between Parliament and the Commission.
The Speaker proposed a closer partnership between the Public Affairs Subdivision and the NCCE to expand civic education and improve public awareness of parliamentary work.
Through the NCCE’s extensive nationwide network, the partnership is expected to deliver parliamentary information, legislative updates, and civic education programmes to communities across Ghana, ensuring citizens better understand the role of Parliament and their elected representatives.
“Public Affairs Is the Bridge Between Parliament and the People”
The Speaker reminded staff that their work directly influences how citizens perceive Parliament and its contribution to national development.
“Your work is the bridge between this House and the ordinary citizen. If you fail to communicate effectively, democracy suffers. I want to see a Parliament that every Ghanaian can access, understand, and trust. Let this be a new dawn for public affairs in this House. The time for change is now,” the Speaker stated.
Promoting Transparency and Democratic Participation
The proposed reforms are expected to improve transparency, strengthen public accountability, and encourage greater participation in Ghana’s democratic process.
By enhancing communication and expanding civic education, Parliament aims to ensure that citizens across the country remain informed about legislative activities and are empowered to actively engage in national governance.
The engagement reflects Parliament’s broader commitment to modernizing its public communication systems and bringing the Legislature closer to the people it serves.