He shared that this initiative would soon extend to senior MPs, the media, and the general public through televised sessions, strengthening his vision for a transparent, open, and people-centred Parliament.

In his address, the Speaker underscored the importance of cultivating a democratic culture rooted in integrity, civility, and active participation. He encouraged the establishment of a mentorship system through which experienced legislators could guide new members, ensuring continuity of institutional memory.

Parliament, he remarked, had matured over the years, moving from rigid, confrontational partisanship toward a more cooperative multiparty environment. This shift, he emphasised, requires MPs to uphold their party values while keeping national interest at the heart of their service.

The Speaker cautioned that partisanship itself was not a threat to democracy; instead, it becomes harmful only when misused. “Ghana has consciously chosen a multiparty system, and differing viewpoints are essential to its strength,” he added.

He reminded MPs of the distinction between Parliament as an institution and the role of the individual Member, encouraging them to specialise in select legislative areas, including committee work. He stressed that the engine of Parliament is committee business, and that only through diligent research, preparation, and participation can MPs deliver meaningful representation at both the committee and plenary levels.

Addressing constitutional matters, the Speaker clarified misconceptions surrounding the privileges and immunities of Members of Parliament. These protections, he explained, are not personal favours but safeguards for the people’s voice, meant to ensure that national representatives discharge their duties without undue interference.

He also expressed concern over neglected constitutional provisions regarding the welfare of local assembly members. He pledged to revitalise structures that strengthen decentralisation, insisting that Parliament, not the Executive, must constitutionally determine the allocation of funds such as the District Assemblies Common Fund.

The Speaker shared his aspiration for Ghana’s Parliament to become a globally admired institution, one befitting a country uniquely positioned at the world’s geographic centre, and urged MPs to embrace unity in diversity and reject narratives that sow division.

He also responded gracefully to criticisms about his attire, noting that Ghana’s parliamentary dress reflects cultural pride and tradition. With gratitude, he commended the MPs for their contributions in recent sessions and assured them of continuous support as they grow in leadership, ethics, and legislative excellence.