5 facts you probably didn’t know about Ghana’s Parliament

The Ghana Parliament has a rather important position in the sociopolitical life of the state. Thus Parliament is a making body for laws, a place for discussion of national concerns, and a body that represents the public. But do you actually know much about Ghana’s parliament? Apart from the news headlines and extreme political opinions, there are some interesting facts about this essential organization. Today we are going to look at five interesting things about the Ghana Parliament that you might not have known.

1. It is one of Africa’s oldest parliaments

The parliamentary system of Ghana has its origin. The first sign of any legislative house dates back to early as 1850, in the colonial times as the Gold Coast Legislative Council. This makes it one of the oldest political systems of any type on the continent, much less a parliamentary system! The Parliament of Ghana has not always been as it is today, much less after gaining its independence in 1957 and developed to the current one know as the Fourth Republic Parliament of Ghana.

2. Ghana’s Parliament adopts the Hybrid System

While most countries choose between purely presidential and parliamentary system, Ghana’s Parliament is a hybrid of both. This always created a hybrid constitutional system in which the President is the head of state, but MPs are also very powerful. Out of all ministers the President chooses some from the Parliament which can deepen the conflict of power between the branches.

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3. The Speaker of Parliament Has an Important Role

Although not well recognized, one of the most powerful individuals in Ghana’s political system is the Speaker of Parliament, who preside over parliamentary sessions. The Speaker is responsible for upholding parliamentary legislation and maintaining order during discussions. Strikingly, the Speaker does not necessarily hail from the Parliament of the Country in question and, in some cases, is selected from bucket outside the Parliament. This also show that the Speaker is still in that executive branch, third in line after the Vice President.

4. Currently issue is represented by over 275 MPs.

The Parliament of Ghana is composed of 275 Members of Parliament each elected by constituents from one constituency. These MPs work for four years’ terms and are chosen through election to address the people’s concern in the corridors of administration. Every MP takes with him the people who elected them from rural areas to cities, urban, and suburban areas to make sure that all the needs of the population are represented.

5. Parliament Is a Hub of Tradition

The traditional Ghanaian Parliament is understood for practicing many rituals. The ceremonial mace is another example, but this one represents authority of Parliament, for instances. When the Speaker comes into the chamber then the mace is brought in as a signal that business of the house has commenced. Not only that, MPS have specific dress codes; there are also traditions in which MPs have to speak to one another in a certain manner during debates.

Conclusion

Ghana is more than a legislative assembly and the parliament is more than a legislature; it is a representation of the country’s development in the political democracy. About any of these facts, did you feel shocked? Which one do you find most fascinating about the Ghana Parliament? Post your comments on this article below.

Source:Xtrememediaonline.com