Dr. Kojo Pumpuni Asante, Director of Policy Engagement and Partnerships at the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), has called on Parliament to place the welfare of citizens at the heart of reforms and decision-making.
Speaking on the theme, “One Year of a Super-Majority Parliament: Reflections, Lessons and the Way Forward,” Dr. Asante emphasized that the ultimate purpose of Parliament’s work is to improve the lives of Ghanaians. He highlighted the need for more structured public participation in the legislative process and recommended a review of parliamentary sitting hours to enhance the quality of decision-making. His remarks underscored the importance of ensuring that legislative outcomes translate into tangible benefits for citizens.
CDD-Ghana made these contributions during the 9th Parliamentary Crystal Ball Series, organized by Parliamentary Network Africa (PNAfrica) in partnership with the Citizens’ Bureau of Parliament. The session, which marked the first episode of the series’ 10th-anniversary celebrations, took place on March 10, 2026, at the Justice D.F. Annan Auditorium, Parliament House, Accra.
The event convened about 100 stakeholders, including Members of Parliament, civil society organizations, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives of the public, providing a platform for reflection on the performance of Ghana’s 9th Parliament.
The event also featured insights from parliamentary leadership. The Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, opened the session by highlighting the significance of the Crystal Ball Series as a platform for constructive dialogue and democratic reflection. Minority Leader Hon. Osahene Alexander Afenyo-Markin raised concerns about the excessive use of the Certificate of Urgency, noting that 34 out of 39 bills were processed through this mechanism, and called for greater restraint and respect for procedures.
Parliamentary Network Africa’s Executive Director, Mr. Sammy Obeng, presented research findings revealing that only 3 out of all bills passed were properly gazetted, despite Parliament’s youth-led composition and progress toward gender parity. The Majority Chief Whip, Hon. Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, who stood in for the Majority Leader, acknowledged the value of the platform, while First Deputy Speaker Hon. Bernard Ahiafor described the theme as apt and timely.
The purpose of the event was to provide a platform for parliamentary leadership and civil society to reflect on the first year of Ghana’s 9th Parliament, marking a significant shift from the hung parliament of 2020 to a super-majority configuration and to look ahead to the legislative agenda for 2026.
The next episode of the Crystal Ball Series is scheduled for May 2026.
