Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has called on Members of Parliament (MPs) to take deliberate and proactive steps to strengthen their connection with constituents, stressing that meaningful representation must extend far beyond debates and proceedings on the floor of the House.

Addressing participants at the 2026 Speakers Breakfast Forum, Mr Bagbin emphasised that Parliament’s effectiveness depends largely on how closely lawmakers engage with the people they serve.

He urged MPs to maintain a consistent presence in their constituencies, regularly interact with communities, listen attentively to citizens’ concerns, and actively involve them in the legislative process.

According to the Speaker, true representation requires continuous dialogue and accessibility, not occasional appearances during election cycles. He noted that citizens must feel heard and included if confidence in democratic governance is to grow.

“Representation goes beyond the chamber,” he indicated, encouraging lawmakers to make themselves more available and responsive to local needs and feedback.

Mr Bagbin explained that strengthening the bond between Parliament and the public is critical to building trust in Ghana’s democracy.

He added that when citizens are engaged and informed, the quality of policymaking improves, resulting in laws that more accurately reflect the realities and priorities of communities.

The 2026 Speakers Breakfast Forum forms part of Parliament’s broader reform efforts aimed at promoting transparency, inclusiveness, and participatory governance.

The initiative, he said, is designed to make Parliament more open and accountable while reinforcing its role as a people-centred institution.

He concluded that bringing Parliament closer to the grassroots would not only enhance accountability but also ensure that legislation contributes more effectively to national development.