: Speaker Bagbin Urges New MPs: Focus on Committee Work Over Plenary Showmanship
In his address to Parliament on May 27, 2025, Speaker Alban Bagbin cautioned new MPs against prioritizing visibility in plenary sessions over substantive committee work. He emphasized that the real test of an MP's effectiveness lies in their contributions within committees, which are foundational to legislative success.
Accra, Ghana – Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has advised newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) to focus on their effectiveness within committee assignments rather than seeking prominence through plenary debates.
Addressing the House on May 27, 2025, as Parliament resumed from recess, Speaker Bagbin emphasized that while plenary sessions are more visible, the substantive work of legislation and oversight occurs within committees.
"To our newer colleagues, let me speak without any equivocation. It is easy to be caught up in the visibility of the chamber: the cameras, the headlines, the drama of plenary. But the real test of your effectiveness lies backstage, in your committee work. Committee participation is foundational to all we do here," he stated.
He further highlighted that committee work is essential for sharpening legislation and enforcing oversight, and that MPs should not mistake noise for impact
Speaker Bagbin also cautioned against misconduct and absenteeism, declaring that no such behavior would go unpunished. He urged MPs to conduct themselves with dignity, respect parliamentary procedures, and prioritize national interest over personal or partisan agendas.
In conclusion, Speaker Bagbin's address serves as a call to action for MPs to engage earnestly in their committee responsibilities, reinforcing the importance of behind-the-scenes work in achieving legislative effectiveness.
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