The International Day of Parliamentarism, observed annually on June 30, highlights the vital role that parliaments play in fostering democracy, ensuring accountability, and giving voice to the people. This global observance was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018. This global observance is celebrated every year on 30 June, the date in 1889 on which the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s (IPU) was founded.
Theme 2025: “Achieving Gender Equality, Action by Action”
This year’s theme, “Achieving Gender Equality, Action by Action,” resonated deeply in Ghana, where both civil society and Parliament marked the day with significant reflections and renewed commitments.
ACEPA: Championing Inclusive Representation
The African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA) used the day to reinforce one of its core missions, strengthening democratic institutions through inclusive representation.
ACEPA featured a timely post on its official website titled “Power in Representation: Women’s Full Inclusion Matters.” The message emphasized the need for inclusivity in parliamentary democracy and issued a strong call to action:
“This International Day of Parliamentarism, let us push for political spaces that reflect the true face of society, in all its diversity.”
ACEPA also urged stakeholders to recommit to opening the doors of power to all women, ensuring equitable access and influence within political structures.
Ghana’s Parliament: Milestones and Reflection
The Parliament of Ghana also commemorated the day with its key stakeholders through activities that aligned with the theme and national democratic values.
Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin delivered a keynote message emphasizing: The importance of reflection on Ghana’s democratic journey, The need for inclusivity in governance, A call to purposeful action as the country marks 32 years of uninterrupted parliamentary democracy.
A 2025 IPU report revealed that Ghana has seen only a 6.6% improvement in women’s parliamentary representation over the past three decades, ranking 137th out of 168 countries, a sobering reminder of how far there is still to go.
Key Milestones from Ghana’s Parliament
On June 30, 2025, Parliament also marked the day with two major institutional actions:
Launch of the Parliamentary Action Plan
A strategic initiative aimed at enhancing the performance, transparency, and responsiveness of Parliament.
Inauguration of the Open Parliament Steering Committee
A multi-stakeholder body created to champion citizen engagement, accountability, and open governance.
These steps signal a growing commitment within Ghana’s legislature to advance democratic values and address systemic gender gaps.
Call to Strengthen Democracy
The International Day of Parliamentarism serves as a powerful reminder that parliaments are living institutions, they embody the will of the people and shape the laws and frameworks that guide society. Their strength lies in:
Transparency Accountability Representation Responsiveness
For countries like Ghana, and other democratic nations across Africa, June 30 is more than a day of celebration, it is a time to renew commitments to democratic governance, amplify citizen voices, and ensure that legislative actions continue to serve the greater public good.
Samuel Agyeman-Prempeh is a passionate advocate for democratic governance and citizen engagement. As a concerned citizen, he writes to promote awareness and inspire action towards building stronger and more inclusive democratic institutions in Africa.
Sources:
Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Parliament of Ghana United Nations General Assembly
