The 9th Parliamentary Service Board has officially been inaugurated to oversee the welfare, administration, and operational matters of Ghana’s Parliament, with a mix of sitting and former MPs forming part of the team.
The Board, chaired by Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, brings together experienced legislators and parliamentary officials tasked with ensuring that Parliament functions efficiently and that the needs of Members of Parliament (MPs) and staff are well addressed.
Full Composition of the 9th Parliamentary Service Board
- Alban Bagbin – Speaker of Parliament and Chairman of the Board
- Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror – Clerk to Parliament
- Mahama Ayariga – MP for Bawku Central and Majority Leader
- Alexander Afenyo-Markin – MP for Effutu and Minority Leader
- Angela Oforiwa Alorwu-Tay – Former MP for Afadjato South
- Dr. Mark Assibey-Yeboah – Former MP for New Juaben South
The Board’s main mandate includes overseeing the welfare of MPs and parliamentary staff, managing Parliament’s administrative matters, and addressing operational challenges.
However, the inauguration did not pass without sharp initial disagreements between the Majority and Minority Leaders, Mahama Ayariga and Alexander Afenyo-Markin, over infrastructure priorities for Parliament.
In response to Speaker Bagbin’s expressed concerns about insecurity within Parliament, Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin proposed that the Board consider constructing a new parliamentary chamber to address both security and space challenges faced by MPs.
“There are real concerns about MPs’ security. In the current public gallery, anyone could throw something at an MP. It’s time we have a conversation about a new chamber that befits Parliament and addresses security,” Afenyo-Markin suggested.
He also called for the establishment of a dedicated hospital for Parliament, arguing that MPs’ welfare should be prioritized as part of enhancing the institution’s capacity.
But Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga strongly disagreed with both proposals, stating that constructing a new chamber and a parliamentary hospital should not be Parliament’s priority at this time.
“I disagree that we should construct a new chamber for Parliament,” Ayariga said bluntly.
“I also don’t believe a hospital should be a priority for Parliament. Ridge Hospital and Korle Bu are adequate and available.”
