Parliaments significant role in democratic governance affected by myriad of challenges - Annoh-Dompreh

Parliaments play a significant role in the democratic political system of nations such as representing the people, making and approving laws to govern the people, approving the national budget and also checking the executive.

The Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of Parliament and MP for Nsawam/Adoagyiri Hon Frank Annoh-Dompreh made these comments in Parliament in a statement to mark International Day of Parliamentarism which is marked on 30th June.

The day, according to Frank Annoh-Dompreh was established by the UN in 2018 to "recognize the role of Parliaments in national planning and strategies , as well as ensuring greater transparency and accountability at national and global levels."

Frank Annoh-Dompreh noted that women representation in Parliaments across the world has increased from 11.3% in 1995 to 24.3% as at February 2018 according to UN Women report 2018.

He said the steady increase in women political participation is a major achievement that must be appreciated.

Despite the significant role played by Parliament to the institutionalisation of democracy, Parliaments continue to face major challenges.

According to the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of Parliament, the public is skeptical or have erroneous impression about Parliament.

Other challenges that Parliament faces which ought to be addressed to enhance the work of Parliament, according to Frank Annoh-Dompreh, are keeping with changes in ICT as well as inadequate budget allocation.

In spite of the immense role played by Parliament to the democratic political system of nations, the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of Parliament said there is more room for improvement by the legislature.

The Minority Leader and MP for Tamale South, Hon Haruna Iddrisu contributing to the statement said the role of Parliaments as the third arm of governments cannot be underestimated.

To improve the number of women in Parliament, Hon Haruna Iddrisu said there will be the need to amend the 1992 Constitution to achieve such goal.