Ghana Speaker Bagbin Proposes Nationwide Convention with MMDAs to Strengthen Local Governance

Introduction

In a bold move to enhance decentralization in Ghana, Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has proposed a nationwide convention involving Parliament and the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs). This initiative seeks to build the data and capacity of MMDAs to effectively legislate by-laws, regulations, and laws that guide their operations and strengthen local governance. Announced during a book launch event at Parliament in Accra, the proposal underscores the critical role of collaboration between national and local legislative bodies.

What does this mean for local government empowerment in Ghana? MMDAs, established under Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, are pivotal in delivering services at the grassroots level. By fostering knowledge-sharing and capacity-building, Speaker Bagbin aims to align local by-laws with national laws, ensuring they meet citizens’ needs. This development, reported on November 20, 2025, by Life Pulse Daily, highlights ongoing efforts to deepen democratic participation through robust MMDAs capacity building.

Context of the Proposal

The event also featured the launch of two key books: “Parliamentary Language in Ghana: A Citizen’s Guide” and “Subsidiary Legislature in Ghana: Principles, Practice, and Procedure,” authored by Benjamin Tachie Antiedu, Esq. These resources promote transparency and accountability in parliamentary work, providing essential insights into parliamentary processes in Ghana.

Analysis

Speaker Bagbin’s proposal for a Parliament-MMDAs nationwide convention addresses longstanding challenges in Ghana’s decentralization framework. While Parliament handles national lawmaking, oversight, and representation, MMDAs are tasked with local legislative functions, including enacting by-laws under Article 245 of the 1992 Constitution. However, many assemblies lack the technical expertise and data to craft enforceable, citizen-responsive regulations.

Core Objectives of the Convention

• Capacity Building for By-Laws: Equip MMDAs with skills to legislate regulations aligned with national laws.
• Fostering Collaboration: Promote institutional partnerships to enhance effectiveness.
• Improving Service Delivery: Ensure by-laws address local needs, deepening decentralization in Ghana.

During the book launch, Bagbin emphasized that such empowerment would fortify local governance structures. The books launched complement this vision: the first demystifies parliamentary language in Ghana, rooted in Latin traditions and shaped by Standing Orders, while the second details subsidiary legislature principles, covering procedures for delegated legislation like MMDA by-laws.

Broader Implications for Governance

This proposal aligns with Ghana’s Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), which mandates MMDAs to promote local economic development. By bridging knowledge gaps, the convention could reduce inconsistencies between national policies and local implementation, a common hurdle in federal-like systems.

Summary

Speaker Alban Bagbin proposed a countrywide convention between Parliament and MMDAs to bolster their legislative capacities during a Thursday book launch in Accra. The event honored books on parliamentary language Ghana and subsidiary legislature Ghana by Benjamin Tachie Antiedu. Key goals include data-sharing, by-law alignment with national laws, and enhanced service delivery. Bagbin praised the books for advancing transparency, accountability, and constitutional values in Ghana’s governance.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For citizens, students, and local leaders interested in strengthening local governance in Ghana, here’s actionable guidance:

Engaging with MMDAs

Attend MMDA meetings to influence by-law development. Under the Local Governance Act, assemblies must consult stakeholders. Request data on ongoing legislative projects via official portals.

Leveraging the Books

Acquire “Parliamentary Language in Ghana” to understand terms like “point of order” or “adjournment,” rooted in parliamentary traditions. Use “Subsidiary Legislature in Ghana” to monitor MMDA by-laws for compliance with parent acts.

Capacity Building Steps

• Join workshops organized by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.
• Utilize National Development Planning Commission resources for data-driven governance.
• Advocate for the proposed convention through petitions to your District Chief Executive.

These steps empower individuals to contribute to MMDAs capacity building.

Points of Caution

While promising, the Speaker Bagbin MMDAs convention proposal faces hurdles:

Implementation Challenges

• Resource Constraints: MMDAs often lack funding; conventions require budgetary allocation.
• Political Interference: National-local tensions could undermine collaboration.
• Skill Gaps: Not all assemblies have staff versed in subsidiary legislation procedures.

Citizens should verify updates via official parliamentary channels. The original report includes a disclaimer: Views do not represent Multimedia Group Limited’s policy.

Comparison

Ghana’s approach mirrors global decentralization models. In the UK, Parliament supports local councils via capacity programs under the Localism Act 2011, similar to Bagbin’s data-sharing focus. Kenya’s Council of Governors collaborates with the National Assembly on devolved legislation, echoing the proposed Parliament-MMDAs convention.

Key Differences

Ghana’s emphasis on parliamentary language and subsidiary legislature adds a unique pedagogical layer.

Legal Implications

This proposal is firmly rooted in Ghana’s legal framework. Article 208(2) of the 1992 Constitution empowers MMDAs for local governance functions, while Article 245 allows by-law making subject to parliamentary approval. The convention supports compliance with the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), Sections 50-55 on subsidiary legislation.

Constitutional Alignment

Non-compliant by-laws risk nullification under Article 246. Capacity building ensures adherence, avoiding legal challenges. No new laws are proposed; this enhances existing decentralization mandates under Chapter 20 of the Constitution.

Conclusion

Speaker Bagbin’s vision for a nationwide convention with MMDAs represents a strategic step toward robust local governance in Ghana. By integrating capacity building with resources like Antiedu’s books on parliamentary language Ghana and subsidiary legislature Ghana, it promises deeper decentralization and better services. Stakeholders must rally for implementation to realize these benefits, fostering a more responsive democracy.

FAQ