08

Sep

Social Media and Parliaments: A New Era of Engagement – Lessons for Ghana

By Benedicta Naa Odarkor Ablateye, Communications Officer, ACEPA Not long ago, keeping up with parliamentary proceedings meant tuning into the evening news, waiting for the next day’s newspaper, or physically sitting in the gallery. Today, all it takes is a scroll through your phone. According to the World e-Parliament Report 2024, 98% of parliaments now use social media […]

01

Sep

Absenteeism in Ghana’s Parliament: The Quiet Crisis Undermining Democracy

By Ubeidat Alhassan (EPL Fellow), ACEPA and Rasheed Draman (ED), ACEPA We voted. They took the oath. We expected them in the chamber – debating, lobbying, and working on our behalf. But too often, the seats are empty. This isn’t just about poor attendance; it’s a silent crisis eroding the foundations of Ghana’s democracy. An Empty Seat,[…]

04

Aug

Parliament Without Parity: Is Ghana Failing its Women?

By Benedicta Naa Odarkor Ablateye, Communications Officer, ACEPA Around the world, women’s representation in parliaments is rising, driven largely by deliberate reforms such as gender quotas, reserved seats, and party-level mandates. Countries like Rwanda, Senegal, and Sierra Leone offer instructive examples of how targeted interventions can change the face of political leadership. In Rwanda, a pioneering quota[…]

28

Jul

Restoring Integrity in Ghana’s Parliament: Rethinking Immunity and Ethics

By Issifu Lampo, Senior Governance Advisor, ACEPA Parliament is a cornerstone of any thriving democracy. It crafts laws, provides checks and balances on executive power, and gives voice to citizens. In Ghana, the legislature plays a critical role in shaping national governance. Yet, recent events have reignited concerns over how ethics and accountability are maintained within the[…]

21

Jul

From Hung Parliament to Supermajority: What Ghana’s Political Shift Means for Journalism

By: Dr. Rasheed Draman, Executive Director, ACEPA July 11 marked a watershed moment in Ghana’s political history.After a rerun of the Ablekuma North constituency election six months after the 2024 general polls, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) secured a commanding supermajority in Parliament. This dramatic shift ends the delicate balance of power that characterized the 8th Parliament[…]

17

Jul

Celebrating the Cornerstone of Democracy: International Day of Parliamentarism and its Significance in Ghana

By Samuel Agyeman-Prempeh The International Day of Parliamentarism, observed annually on June 30, celebrates the essential role parliaments play in upholding democracy, promoting accountability, and amplifying the voices of citizens. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018, the day also marks the founding of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in 1889. This year’s theme, “Achieving Gender[…]

09

Jul

Rebuilding Trust, Renewing Democracy: Reflections on the 2024 Post-Election Dialogue

By Rasheed Draman, Executive Director, ACEPA In the wake of Ghana’s 2024 elections, the national conversation has turned toward the future of our democracy. At a recent National Peace Council Dialogue in Koforidua (July 1-4, 2024) themed: “ Post 2024 Elections in Ghana – Dialogue for a Stronger Democracy and Social Cohesion”, I shared my reflections on[…]

30

Jun

Power in Representation: Women’s Full Inclusion Matters

This International Day of Parliamentarism, let us push for political spaces that reflect the true face of society, in all its diversity. June 30 marks the International Day of Parliamentarism, a moment to reflect on the vital role parliaments play in building inclusive, accountable, and representative democracies. But as we mark this day, we must ask: Who[…]