Africa-Press – Ghana. Mr Alban Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, has formally launched two books aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in parliamentary work and governance.
The books, “Parliamentary Language in Ghana: A Citizen’s Guide” and “Subsidiary Legislature in Ghana: Principles, Practice, and Procedure,” provide valuable insights into parliamentary processes and language.
“The language of parliament is guided not only by laws and standing orders but also by expressions, traditions, and procedures that shape its relations and decisions,” the Speaker said on Thursday at the launch in Parliament House, Accra.
Mr Bagbin emphasised the importance of understanding parliamentary language, noting that it had its roots in Latin and was deeply connected to the history and traditions of parliamentary democracy.
He said, “Parliamentary language is not just English language… it’s about understanding the origins and meanings of words and concepts.”
The books authored by Mr Benjamin Tachie Antiedu, Esq., are expected to contribute significantly to the intellectual foundation of Ghana’s constitutional order, promoting sound research, clarity of expression, and respect for constitutional values.
The Speaker also highlighted the importance of decentralization and empowering local governments to handle development issues, saying, “The decentralized structures are in place, but they need to be capacitated to effectively handle their responsibilities.”
The books are expected to be a valuable resource for members of Parliament, journalists, citizens, students, and practitioners seeking to understand Ghana’s parliamentary processes and promote good governance.
“These works demonstrate not only scholarship but also devotion to public service and nation-building,” Mr Bagbin said.
Mr Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, the Clerk to Parliament, acknowledged the importance of transparency and public understanding of government initiatives and appreciated the efforts of scholars and colleagues in this area.
He highlighted the value of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and constructive dialogue in addressing complex issues.
“By working together and engaging with citizens, governments can make more informed decisions and build trust,” he said.
Mr Techie Antiedu, Esq., the author, highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in government and celebrated the launch of the two books that aimed to promote civic education and deepen democratic participation in Ghana.
He said the books, “Parliamentary Language in Ghana: The Citizen’s Guide” and “Subsidiary Legislation in Ghana: Principles, Practice, and Procedure,” sought to demystify the language and processes of parliament, making them more accessible to ordinary Ghanaians.
Mr Tachie Antiedu emphasized that democracy could only thrive when citizens understood the institutions that served them and that “these books will support accurate research, reporting, and public engagement with legislative processes.”
He acknowledged Speaker Bagbin’s commitment to building a strong parliament and parliamentary service.
While the “Parliamentary Language in Ghana: The Citizen’s Guide” is dedicated to the Speaker of Parliament, the “Subsidiary Legislation in Ghana: Principles, Practice, and Procedure” is dedicated to Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, Clerk to Parliament and Eric Owusu Mensah, a former Deputy Clerk to Parliament.
Mr Tachie Antiedu encouraged Ghanaians to take an active role in shaping their democracy.
The launch of the books was attended by parliamentary officers, journalists, and other stakeholders, who praised the authors for their scholarship and devotion to public service.
The first book was auctioned at GH¢50,000 by Mr Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament.
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