By Michael Foli Jackidy
Ho (V/R), Nov 7, GNA – Mr. Eric Edem Agbana, Member of Parliament for Ketu North, has reiterated the need for deeper citizen participation in Ghana’s parliamentary democracy, stressing that Parliament must remain a true reflection of the people’s voice.
Speaking as a panelist at a Public Forum organised as part of Parliament’s ongoing Practice and Procedure Week on the theme: “How Citizens Engage with Parliament,” on Thursday, Mr. Agbana shared practical insights on strengthening democratic accountability.
He highlighted the success of his innovative Quarterly Accountability Series in the Ketu North Constituency, a model he said was helping to enhance transparency, strengthen feedback mechanisms, and build trust between representatives and the electorate.
Mr. Agbana noted that democracy thrived when citizens were genuinely involved in governance.
“The strength of any democracy rests not only on the quality of laws we pass but on the depth of trust between the people and their Parliament,” he stated.
“When citizens feel heard, respected, and valued, they defend democracy instinctively. But when engagement becomes a mere ritual, distrust and apathy take root.”
He stressed that citizen engagement must be an integral part of Parliament’s operations, not an afterthought.
“Our citizens are not spectators in governance; they are the sovereigns from whom our legitimacy flows,” he said.
“If Parliament is to remain the people’s institution, engagement must move from the periphery of our processes to the centre of our practice.”
Mr. Agbana commended Parliament for creating a platform that fostered open dialogue with citizens and called for the institutionalisation of more participatory governance tools and community-focused accountability initiatives.
GNA
Edited By Maxwell Awumah/Christian Akorlie