By Valentia Tetteh
The United Kingdom’s Minister for International Development, Baroness Chapman, has lauded Ghana for safeguarding its democratic credentials over three decades of uninterrupted parliamentary governance.
Baroness Chapman gave the commendation when she paid a courtesy call on the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, and interacted with several Civil Society Organisations in Parliament on Thursday, September 11, 2025.
The meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange ideas on strengthening parliamentary democracy and enhancing collaboration between the two countries.
“Here in Ghana, you have open, credible elections and peaceful transfers of power. These achievements should never be taken for granted,” Baroness Chapman noted. “The work you have done over the years to build a strong parliament is admirable. No parliament stands still. We, in the UK, also adapt constantly in response to social media and the expectations of young people. Every election brings new members with fresh demands, yet we maintain traditions that keep us grounded.”
During the engagement, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin paid glowing tribute to Speaker Bagbin for steering Parliament through challenging times, particularly in the eighth parliament, which had an unprecedented balance of power 137 members each on both sides of the House and one independent MP.
According to Afenyo-Markin, it was the Speaker’s experience and steady hand that helped maintain stability and foster dialogue.
“Mr. Speaker has always acknowledged that disagreements are natural in politics, but he has set such a high standard of leadership that will be difficult to match for many years,” the Minority Leader said. “His transformation of parliamentary structures and his efforts to strengthen the relationship between Parliament and the people deserve commendation.”
Strengthening UK–Ghana Parliamentary Ties
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin highlighted the long-standing partnership between the UK and Ghanaian parliaments, describing it as mutually beneficial. He recalled the UK Parliament’s role in supporting Ghana’s Public Accounts Committee in 2007 and assisting in the drafting of Ghana’s new standing orders, which introduced key committees and broadened leadership representation.
Mr. Bagbin reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to deepening this collaboration, saying the two parliaments will continue to work together to strengthen democratic institutions and advance good governance in both nations.
