Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin

Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has said frequent theatrics and dramas on the floor of the parliamentary chamber constitute an anticlimax and urged Members of Parliament (MPs) to curb the phenomenon.

He said that although theatrics and dramas were allowed on the floor of the House to de-stress, they should be used sparingly to avoid abuse or confusion that could lead to disturbances and the truncation of proceedings.

“Theatrics and dramas are not meant for every day; otherwise, it will become like a boy’s game in football, where the owner of the ball grasps it and bolts when found losing,” he remarked.

Speaker Bagbin made these statements at the opening of a three-day orientation programme for Members of the Ninth Parliament in Ho.

The Minority side of Parliament, citing a desire to cut costs, has boycotted the training programme, adding that holding it outside the chamber had higher cost implications.

The Parliamentary Training Institute (PTI) is organising the orientation programme.

It aims to orient the legislators to discharge their mandate of legislation, deliberation, oversight, investigation, and other regulatory functions effectively and efficiently.

Speaker Bagbin said mastering the skills, rules, procedures, and other technical tricks demands special abilities to surmount the challenges confronting legislators.

He noted that a gaffe, mistake, or wrong expression or communication could send an MP out of Parliament.

Speaker Bagbin said that the special training sessions for legislators are legitimate, adding, “An MP can lose an election on the basis of the wrongful use of a word, which sounds flimsy but is a reality.”

He said failure to attend a funeral or pay part of a bride price may constitute an arsenal to send a Member of Parliament home.

He said that following the rules, laws, and standing orders diligently is not enough to make MPs excel, but that “applying certain tactics, use of body language, and other skills places an icing on the cake, which no book can teach.”

Speaker Bagbin said the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, various Acts of Parliament, and the Standing Orders of Parliament impose a huge mandate and responsibility on the Ghanaian MP.

He said, “You must listen attentively to the resource personnel to know and prioritise the tools of your work in order to plan your career or change direction in your life to be able to cope with the mandate, numerous duties, and huge responsibilities.

“Honourable Members, self-leadership is the best step to take to be successful in this career.”

The topics in the three-day training programme include: The Rights of the Majority and Minority Caucuses of Parliament, Conflict Management, Consensus Building in a Majoritarian Legislature, the Legislative Process, Private Members’ Bills, the Art of Reviewing and Analysing Legislation, Mastering the Rules of Procedure, Skills in Advocacy, Lobbying, and Negotiation for Legislators, and Scrutinising the Budget and Economic Policy of Government.