Alban Bagbin underscored that effective legislation is achieved by showing discipline, presence, preparation, and respect for parliamentary procedure.

Addressing MPs on Tuesday, May 27 after the House has resumed from recess, he said new MPs will be able to sharpen their legislation, enforce their oversight duties and execute the real work of Parliament when they commit to activities at their various committee level rather than “mistake noise for impact.”

“To our newer colleagues, let me speak without any equivocation. It is easy to be caught up in the visibility of the chamber: the cameras, the headlines, the drama of plenary. But the real test of your effectiveness lies backstage, in your committee work. It is in committee rooms, away from the spotlight, that legislation is sharpened, oversight is enforced, and the real work of Parliament is executed. Committee participation is foundational to all we do here,” he advised.

Bagbin encouraged the new Legislators to be actively involved in the work of the House with “focus and humility, learn the rules, join the debates, attend Committees meetings and ask the hard questions.”

He added: “Speak up for your constituents. And do not mistake noise for impact. The real work will not always make the news headlines, but it will always make a difference.”

Alban Bagbin further warned Members of Parliament who may misconduct themselves in the course of their duties.

During sitting in January 2025 before the House went on recess, some incidents of chaos and disorderliness were recorded which brought the House into disrepute.

Alban Bagbin said he was “saddened” by such occurrences.

The Speaker cautioned that the Chamber must “be a model of public service, not a theatre for showmanship.”

He declared that in the new sitting of the House, no misconduct will go unpunished.

“Let me be unambiguous: no misconduct or crime will go unpunished. Members must conduct themselves with dignity. The business of this House is too important to be derailed by conduct that serves no public purpose.

“Debates must be firm but civil. Differences must be handled with principle, and reason, not violence and emotion. The people expect intelligence, not insults. They expect substance, not spectacle,” he stated.

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