To strengthen Parliament’s oversight capabilities, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has called for a regular review of the standing orders.
The recently enacted standing orders are intended to maximize Parliament’s operational effectiveness and will take effect on January 2, 2024.
During a capacity workshop on the updated standing orders, Afenyo-Markin stressed the significance of periodic reviews, stating that these reviews are necessary to ensure that the rules governing parliamentary proceedings are in line with the changing dynamics of governance.
“These standing order rules need to be revised for the house to effectively and efficiently carry out our deliberative representational financial control, information dissemination, and legislative oversight and responsibilities.”
Additionally, this is to make sure that the rules governing committees and plenary sessions take into account the evolving political landscape and governance dynamics.
Afenyo-Markin also disclosed a new addition to the new standing orders, called “Backbenchers Time,” which is intended to encourage inclusivity.
This clause gives backbenchers, who usually don’t get many chances to voice their opinions, a forum to explain their viewpoints and make significant suggestions to improve their legislative contributions.
