Speaker Advocates For Independence Of Parliament And Introduces Plan For Electronic Voting
Alban Bagbin, Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, has called for greater independence for the legislature and announced plans to adopt electronic voting (e-voting) in the House to modernise parliamentary proceedings and enhance accountability. His remarks emphasised the need for Parliament to operate with autonomy, uphold constitutional mandates, and improve efficiency through technology.
The Speaker made the remarks during proceedings in Parliament on Thursday, February 12, 2026, where he outlined his vision for reforms aimed at strengthening the institution’s ability to legislate, scrutinise government actions, and represent citizens without undue external influence. According to Bagbin, ensuring Parliament’s independence is essential for deepening democratic governance and reinforcing public trust.
One of the major reforms proposed by the Speaker is the introduction of electronic voting technology for decision-making in the Chamber. Bagbin said that e-voting — a system where legislators register their votes digitally — will help promote accuracy, transparency and speed during voting on motions, bills and other parliamentary business. He believes modernising Parliament’s processes will help align the institution with global best practices.
The Speaker also encouraged Members of Parliament (MPs) to embrace reforms that enhance oversight and accountability in governance. Bagbin noted that when Parliament operates independently and utilises modern tools, it is better positioned to hold the executive branch to account, protect constitutional rights, and serve the interests of the Ghanaian people.
Bagbin’s push for e-voting comes at a time when many institutions worldwide are adopting digital tools to improve efficiency and record-keeping. He suggested that Ghana’s Parliament could benefit from similar advancements, especially in tracking attendance, recording votes accurately, and reducing procedural disputes over the outcomes of key decisions.
Political observers say that while the introduction of e-voting may require training, infrastructure investment and adjustments to standing orders, it could modernise how legislative business is conducted and make parliamentary procedures more transparent to the public. Supporters of the reform argue that it would also help strengthen confidence in parliamentary outcomes and reduce delays associated with manual counting and verification of votes.
The Speaker’s remarks have sparked discussions among lawmakers and civil society on how best to balance tradition with innovation within Parliament. Some MPs expressed support for the initiative, while others called for wider consultations before implementation. Bagbin has indicated that further dialogue and planning will take place to ensure that the proposed e-voting system meets the needs of Parliament and upholds constitutional principles.
