Citizens’ Bureau makes Ghana’s democracy more open – Bagbin

Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, says the Citizens’ Bureau has strengthened transparency and deepened public participation in Ghana’s democracy.

“Not all democracies are participatory. Our parliament is unique. We have the Citizens Bureau, which makes our democracy more transparent and participatory,” he stated as the Open Parliament Steering Committee was sworn in.

His remarks stressed a push to position Parliament as a more accessible institution with structures that reflect citizens’ expectations for openness and engagement.

Mr Bagbin observed that participatory governance must go beyond formal representation.

He argued that the Citizens Bureau has become a central pillar in bridging the gap between lawmakers and the public.

Mr. Bagbin framed it as a deliberate mechanism to involve Ghanaians more actively in national decision-making processes.

The Speaker also outlined Parliament’s ongoing efforts to extend its reach across the country.

“Every arm of government has an office across Ghana,” he said, explaining that Parliament intends to match that presence through new regional and district-level structures.

He described these future centres as critical spaces for civic engagement and public education on parliamentary processes.

Mr Bagbin added that Parliament is preparing to “set up regional parliamentary centers,” noting that similar facilities will be created at the district level “to help build capacity and send parliament to the doorstep of the people.”

These centres, he suggested, will enable more citizens to interact directly with parliamentary staff, seek information and take part in governance activities without needing to travel to Accra.

The swearing-in of the Open Parliament Steering Committee signalled Parliament’s commitment to strengthening openness frameworks.

Members of the committee are expected to support initiatives that enhance public monitoring of legislative affairs, expand citizen access to information and reinforce accountability.