The Citizen Bureau, in collaboration with PN Africa, a Parliamentary Monitoring Organization, has held a 9th Edition of the Crystal Series to take stock of events of the 9th Parliament and to interrogate ways of making Parliament more accountable to the citizenry through effective legislation and robust processes.
The Crystal Ball Series was instituted in 2015. Today’s edition was to reflect on the 1st Session of the 9th Parliament and to provide Stakeholder input on lessons learnt and to discuss the way forward.
In today’s discussions, the Executive Secretary of PN Africa, Sammy Obeng presented research findings on how Parliament was engaging with the citizenry, pointing out that citizen participation is woefully inadequate. He also pointed out the need for more opportunities to be given to female MPs on the floor of the House.
The Minority Leader, Osahen Alexander Afenyo–Markin, and the Majority Chief Whip, Rockson Dafeamekpor, took turns to discuss the composition of the House and how that is impacting the fortunes of their respective sides. Issues of certificates of urgency and its use, were also brought to the fore and discussed extensively by both presenters.
The 1st Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, emphasized Parliament’s commitment to facilitating effective work for female MPs. He also outlined some rules of debate and urged Members and citizens to be mindful of these in discussing the Members of Parliament and their work.
The Deputy Clerk in-charge of Legislative Management Services Camillo Pwamang, outlined the agenda for this Meeting and Dr. Kojo Asante from the CDD mentioned ways of making Parliament more relatable to the citizens through work that is transparent and easy to follow.
