The Speaker of the Seventh Parliament, Professor Mike Aaron Oquaye, has indicated that many African Parliaments are unable to conduct risk assessment on international loan agreements that appear before them.
Prof. Oquaye pointed out that many African Parliaments are not able to diligently use figures in dealing with international agreements, to achieve the required reaults.
Speaking at the Fourth Africa Network of Parliamentary Budget Officers (AN-PBO) Conference at the Justice D.F. Annan Hall in Parliament, Prof. Oquaye noted that some African Parliaments do not have access to the fiscal impact analysis of governments’ policies.
The Speaker of Parliament reiterated that there is the need for Members of Parliament to sharpen their devices, background knowledge and analytical training, in order to effectively deliver on topical issues.
“It is unfortunate and sad to see that new and young Members of Parliament, who are maturing in Parliamentary practices are voted out in subsequent elections. Some of these important issues need to be addressed”, Prof. Oquaye lamented.
He further recommended that opportunities should be given to Members of Parliament, to expose them to international and global practices.
Prof. Oquaye urged that the capacities of Members of Parliament must be built, to ensure quality work from the House.
The African Network of Parliamentary Budget Officers Conference is to enhance the capacity of Parliamentary Budget Analysis, to effectively provide technical support services to the Members of Parliament in the area of the national budget process.
Source: GhanaJustice/S.Ayisi
