The governments of Ghana and the United Kingdom (UK) through Parliament and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), in collaboration with the World Bank, will today launch a new support initiative.

The project aims to enhance the capacity of Members of Parliament (MPs) and their staff in economic and financial governance to improve legislative efficiency and oversight.

Under the theme "Building the Capacity of Parliamentarians for Economic and Financial Governance Project," the event is taking place at the Justice D.F. Annan Auditorium, Parliament House, Accra, at 10am on Wednesday, June 18.

Rt Hon. Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin is the Special Guest of Honour for the event.

The three bodies have noted the need for continuous development of parliamentary procedures and the importance of enhancing MPs' understanding of legislative processes to ensure accountability and informed decision-making.

On June 11, the Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, welcomed the project, noting that it will expand Parliament’s engagement with development partners and boost its ability to fulfil its constitutional duties.

He emphasized that a retooled Parliament will be better equipped to fulfil both its legislative and oversight responsibilities.

The Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Kwaku Ricketts-Hagan, and Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Patricia Appiagyei, commended the support from the World Bank and FCDO, describing the initiative as timely and impactful.

In his closing remarks, the Majority Leader, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, noted that the current Parliament comprises highly educated members who chair key committees.

He urged committee leaders to take full ownership of the project and ensure its effective implementation to strengthen Parliament’s overall performance.

A month ago, a delegation from the Advanced Command and Staff Course (ACSC), led by Captain Charlotte Yemm, engaged Members of Parliament in a working visit focused on strengthening defence cooperation and addressing key national and regional security concerns.

The visit provided an opportunity for the ACSC and its alumni to interact with Members of Parliament, including those on the Defence and Interior Committee, to discuss shared priorities in peacekeeping, maritime security, cyber threats, and the fight against illegal mining (galamsey).

Vice Chair of the Committee, Hon. Peter Lanchene Toobu, expressed the long-standing UK-Ghana defence partnership and stressed the need for stronger institutional collaboration to respond effectively to emerging threats.

Pointing to links between foreign involvement in galamsey and violent extremism in the Pacific region, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings expanded on the national security implications of illegal mining.

She reiterated the urgent need to treat galamsey not just as an environmental issue, but as a strategic threat to national stability.

Other members of the committee called for enhanced international cooperation and strengthened parliamentary oversight in promoting peace, security, and sustainable development across West Africa.