Parliament Secures £800,000 World Bank Grant to Train MPs in Economic Oversight

Ghana’s Parliament has secured £800,000 in support from the World Bank to launch a new initiative aimed at boosting the economic and financial oversight capabilities of Members of Parliament.

The 18-month programme, titled “Building the Capacity of Parliamentarians for Economic and Financial Governance,” was officially launched on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. It is being implemented in collaboration with the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

In a statement, the Parliamentary Service announced that the initiative is designed to equip MPs—especially new legislators—with the tools and technical knowledge necessary for effective governance, fiscal scrutiny, and accountability.

Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin described the programme as a strategic investment in parliamentary efficiency.

“This initiative will strengthen parliamentary oversight, improve fiscal management, and deepen understanding of economic policies among Members of Parliament,” he said. “By equipping Parliament with the needed skills, it will help ensure transparent management of public resources and enhance accountability.”

The funding, which is being channelled through the World Bank, will support structured training sessions, technical assistance, and peer learning opportunities. Committees such as Finance, Budget, Economy and Development, Public Accounts, and Assurances are expected to be key beneficiaries.

According to Michelle Keane, Acting World Bank Country Director for Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, the programme is tailored to meet the increasing complexity of parliamentary responsibilities in economic matters.

“MPs must be equipped to evaluate the allocation and use of public resources and to assess the broader economic impacts of fiscal decisions,” she noted.

The initiative will also extend support to the newly established Office for Parliamentary Analysis and the Citizens’ Bureau—two units critical to Parliament’s data-driven policy work.

Keith McMahon, Chargé d’Affaires at the British High Commission in Accra, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to Ghana’s democratic and economic development.

“We firmly believe Ghana’s prosperity must be driven by its own citizens and elected representatives. This partnership is about empowering Parliament to deliver better outcomes for the country,” he said.

The programme will include the development of training toolkits, handbooks, and induction materials for MPs and committee staff. It will also foster collaboration between Parliament and external stakeholders including civil society groups, think tanks, and the private sector.

In addition to internal capacity-building, the initiative aims to enhance public engagement by increasing access to parliamentary information for citizens and the media.

The Parliamentary Service described the training as a key part of Ghana’s broader effort to strengthen transparency, enhance oversight of public finances, and improve economic governance through informed legislative leadership.