Ghana parliamentary visit to Westminster  

Seven members of the Ghanian Parliament, most of them newly elected MPs, travelled to Westminster to strengthen links and share professional experiences.

CPA UK hosted the Ghanaian delegation from 1 to 3 July.

On the first day, newly elected members from both parliaments discussed the challenge of balancing parliamentary responsibilities with local representation.

They talked about the steep learning curve that newly elected parliamentarians face when starting office such as managing heavy correspondence, having limited help and experiencing pressure from both constituents and party leaders simultaneously. Their conversation highlighted the difficult transition into parliamentary life.  

Ghana and UK members discussed how parliamentary committees allow for cross-party scrutiny through transparent processes, merit-based membership, and inclusive leadership. This empowers MPs to work together on legislation across various policy areas with public accountability. 

On the second day, members discussed how ethical oversight is gaining importance across parliamentary cultures around the Commonwealth. Delegates focused on ethical conduct within their parliaments. They explored the strengthened Code of Conduct, independent oversight by lay members, and global trends which point towards the growing importance of transparency and public accountability.  

Members also explored modernisation challenges such as late voting in parliamentary affairs, inconsistent proxy rules and outdated practices.

Perspectives from both the UK and Ghana emphasised the shared need for inclusive reforms supported by digital infrastructure and member feedback.

One key modernisation challenge is improving diversity and representation in Parliaments. There were calls for parliaments to focus on  inclusion, youth engagement, and affirmative action to support underrepresented groups, urging legislation that reflects changing cultural and democratic values.  

On the final day, delegates visited the House of Commons Library. They learnt about its role as a research and legislative analysis hub and how UK MPs rely on the library for evidence-based decision-making. They also discussed the possibility of further international engagement with the House of Commons Library.  

Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP, invited the group to her constituency office in Brixton, south London.

The day-trip to Brixton included a meeting with Mayor Adrian Garden at Lambeth Town Hall, followed by a visit to The Black Cultural Archives, which includes artefacts from the Ghanaian diaspora community in London. Brixton's famous market followed next.  

The visiting delegation’s action plans for their return to Ghana centred on strengthening democracy through cross-party dialogue, civic engagement and institutional reform. They say they want to focus on ethics reform, research and staff capacity, and public inclusion in parliamentary processes and oversight when they return home.

Individual goals include deeper cross-party collaboration, connecting with constituents and reimagining MPs’ public roles.  

Outside the Black Cultural Archives in Brixton with Belle Ribeiro-Addy MP