Spkear Bagbin inaugurates the 9th parliamentary service board

I would like to first recognise the presence of the

1^ST and 2^nd Deputy Speakers

The Hon. Majority and Minority Leaders

The Clerk to Parliament

Deputy Clerks and senior officers of the Parliamentary Service

Members of the Media

I am immensely grateful for your presence for this short but all-important Inaugural ceremony.

Today marks the inauguration of the 9^th Parliamentary Service Board (PSB) and I extend a hearty welcome to all the members who have accepted the call to serve on this esteemed board.  Your commitment and willingness to serve Parliament, the Parliamentary Service and by extension, our beloved country in this capacity is commendable.   Accepting this responsibility is not just a testament to your dedication to public service, but also a reassurance to the citizens of this country that we are heading to the right direction in our democratic governance.  

Ladies and gentlemen, the PSB is a critical component in the smooth operation of the legislative arm of government and it is established by Article 124(2) of the Constitution and section 4 of the Parliamentary Service Act, 1993 (Act 460). These legal instruments clearly articulate the mandate and outlines the responsibilities of the PSB, including,

i.                   providing strategic direction for the effective and efficient functioning of Parliament;

ii.                providing leadership for the attainment of the Service’s vision, mission, values and structure;

iii.             the general control and management of the affairs of the Service on matters of policy,

iv.            promoting the welfare of Members of Parliament and Members of Staff ;

v.                maintaining the dignity of Parliament;

vi.            establishment of appropriate staffing and remuneration policy

vii.         responsibility for the maintenance of discipline within the Service;

viii.      ensuring the development of appropriate Human Resource Management policies, procedures, practices and systems to promote high productivity in the Service and

ix.            ensuring compliance by the Service with the relevant procurement laws and discharge of all contractual obligations

Pursuant to the Constitution and acting on the advice of a Committee of Parliament, the members of the 9^th PSB appointed by the Speaker are

i.                  Hon. Mahama Ayariga                           – the MP for Bawku Central Constituency and the Majority Leader  of Parliament                       

ii.               Hon. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin   – the MP for Effutu Constituency and the Minority Leader of Parliament

iii.           Hon. Angela Oforiwa Alorwu-Tay          – Former MP of Afadjato Constituency

iv.            Hon. Dr. Mark Assibey -Yeboah        – Former MP of Koforidua East Constituency and finally

 pursuant to the Constitution, I, as Speaker of the 9^th Parliament is Chairman of the Board, and the Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, is also an automatic member of the Board.

The Board, like Parliament, performs its functions and operations through committees which are either statutory or constituted at the discretion of the Board.  The Audit Committee, the Entity Tender Committee, the Committee on Administration and Human Resources and the Finance Committee are some of the committees through which the Board carries out its mandate. 

As we look forward to the future, it is essential to reflect on the achievements of the previous Board which I believe, made significant strides in enhancing the operational capabilities of the Service and enhanced to some extend, the welfare of staff and Members of Parliament. 

Additionally, the Board played a major role in the renovation and expansion of various infrastructural projects which has improved the office facilities and a conducive environment for the work of Parliament.  Furthermore, as part of its mandate to provide strategic direction for the Service and ensure efficiency in service delivery, the 8^th Board among other critical policies, approved a new Organisational Structure and Grading of Positions of the Parliamentary Service. The new structure reorganised the Service into three (3) main operational service Areas, that were further divided into Divisions, Subdivisions, Offices and Departments. This new structure improved career progression of the staff of the Service. Career progression was a major setback in the previous stunted structure leading to some staff holding on to the same position for more than twenty years without promotion.

Furthermore, towards its commitment to corporate governance, the 8^th board also adopted a Charter which sets out the values and principles guiding the Parliamentary Service Board and the Parliamentary Service. It outlines the policies and practices governing the Board and obliges members to apply sound principles of corporate governance in the discharge of its mandate.  Efforts made in capacity building through various training programmes and benchmarking visits for MPs and staff have equally been remarkable.

Notwithstanding the above achievements, there remain certain challenges that need to be addressed. One of these challenges is to secure the parliamentary enclave to ensure the safety and security of members and staff.  This is vital in achieving uninterrupted and effective functioning of Parliament.  I believe the 9^th Board would work assiduously to make this a reality.

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen; I would like to use this opportunity to commend highly the 8^th Parliamentary Service Board for the achievements and to urge the 9th Board to focus on enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of Parliament in its oversight role to ensure transparency and accountability in government operations. The Board should also put in place stringent mechanisms to achieve effective delivery of support services to Members and Committees of Parliament by the Clerk to Parliament, Management and staff of the Parliamentary Service.

I am confident that this Board will add unto the already improved work environment to encourage hard work, dedication, and excellence.  While I commend majority of the staff for the hard work, the Board still has to address issues related to some members of staff who are indolent or absentee workers .  It is important for the Board to implement measures to get all staff to be duty conscious, patriotic and productive.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincerest appreciation to Members of the previous Board, Hon. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Hon. Ato Forson, Hon. Abraham Ossei Aidooh, Hon. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah and the immediate past Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Cyril K. O. Nsiah for their hard work, commitment and dedication to the 8^th Parliamentary Service Board and its Committees during their tenure. Their contributions to the 8^th Board were invaluable, and we have no doubt that their successors will build on their legacy and bring fresh perspectives to the Board.

Ladies and gentlemen, the inclusion of co-opted members on the Board has always been of great value. Their expertise and insights have enriched our deliberations and decision-making processes. I would like to recognise and appreciate the contributions of the co-opted members of the 8^th Board and assure them that their roles were vital to the success of the Board.  Hon. Joseph Osei Owusu, 1^st Deputy Speaker of the 8^th Parliament, Hon. Andrew Asiamah, 2^nd Deputy Speaker of the 8^th and 9^th Parliament and Mrs. Estelle Appiah, a former Director of the Legislative Drafting Division of the Attorney-General Department of the Ministry of Justice.

I have decided to continue the practice of coopting the 1^st and 2^nd Deputy Speakers of Parliament on the Board and I look forward to the contribution of Hon. Bernard Ahiafor and Hon. Andrew Asiamah to the discussions at Board meetings.

To the incoming members of the Board, I urge you to approach your responsibilities with the utmost dedication and integrity. Let us work together to build on the success of the past and address the challenges that lie ahead.  Your role is crucial in shaping the future of our Parliamentary Service as a significant partner to the growth of the Legislative arm of State. I am confident in your ability and have no doubt in my mind that you will rise to the occasion. 

As we embark on this new journey, I am reminded of a proverb that says, “The heights that great men reached were not attained by sudden flights, while their companions slept, they toiled always in the night.” 

With great honour and privilege, I hereby declare the 9^th Parliamentary Service Board duly inaugurated.  May our tenure be marked by excellence, innovation, and significant contributions to the advancement of our parliamentary democracy.

Thank you and God Bless you all. 

I will now proceed to call on the members of the 9^th Parliamentary Service Board to rise up and take the Oath of Office as we commence our duties.