Speaker inaugurates Parliamentary Service Board
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, on Monday inaugurated the ninth Parliamentary Service Board (PSB), urging lawmakers to prioritise accountability and responsive governance as Parliament works to address pressing national challenges.
He emphasised the board’s critical role in strengthening institutional integrity and fostering a legislative environment anchored in public trust and democratic principles.
The board, which is chaired by Mr Bagbin, includes the Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror; MP for Bawku Central and Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga; MP for Effutu and Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, former MP for Afadjato South, Angela Oforiwa Alorwu-Tay and former MP for New Juaben South, Dr Mark Assibey-Yeboah.
The rest are the First and Second Deputy Speakers, MP for Akatsi South, Bernard Ahiafor, and MP for Fomena, Andrew Asiamah.
Outlining the board’s mandate, the Speaker said it is responsible for providing strategic direction for the efficient functioning of parliament, overseeing the welfare of members and staff, ensuring compliance with procurement laws, and promoting sound human resource management policies.
The board he said also has oversight of staffing, remuneration policies, and infrastructure development.
Mr Bagbin commended the eighth PSB for its contributions, including the re-organisation of the parliamentary service’s structure to improve career progression, the adoption of a corporate governance charter, and infrastructural expansion.
He noted that some staff had been stuck in the same positions for over two decades, a situation the new structure had rectified.
“Career progression was a major setback in the previous structure, leading to some staff holding the same position for over 20 years without promotion,” he said.
He acknowledged the challenges that remain, particularly in securing the parliamentary enclave to ensure the safety of MPs and staff.
He urged the new Board to take decisive action in improving parliament’s oversight role, enhancing service delivery, and ensuring all staff remain duty-conscious and productive.
“The board must address issues related to some members of staff who are indolent or absentee workers,” he stressed.
The speaker expressed gratitude to members of the outgoing board, for their service.
He also acknowledged the contributions of co-opted members of the eighth Board, assuring them of their continued importance.
On behalf of the board, Mr Bagbin assured parliament and the nation of their commitment to upholding the trust reposed in them.
“We will work diligently to build on past successes and tackle the challenges ahead with integrity and dedication,” he added.
BY RAISSA SAMBOU
