Navigating Modernisation: An Analysis of Technological Developments in the Parliament of Ghana
About the Parliament of Ghana | Written on January, 2023
Introduction
The last few decades have seen an unprecedented surge in technological advancements, making it crucial for institutions globally to adapt to this new digital landscape. The Parliament of Ghana is no exception and has made significant strides in incorporating modern technology to streamline parliamentary processes, enhance transparency, and foster a stronger link with the public. However, this modernisation journey has not been without its obstacles. This essay discusses the technological initiatives implemented by Ghana's Parliament, the challenges encountered, and future plans for digitalisation.
Technological Implementations in Parliament
To improve the efficiency of internal proceedings, the Ghanaian Parliament has utilised 'Parliamentary Watch,' an in-house application specifically designed for the MPs' consoles. This application serves multiple functions, including instant access to documents, standing orders, and constitutional provisions that are frequently referenced during debates. This solution replaces the need for physical copies of such documents and boosts MPs' ability to reference material quickly and accurately.
Further enhancements to the parliamentary process include an innovative debate management system. This application, driven by Android technology, displays a speaker's details and keeps time whenever a parliament member engages in a debate. The tool not only aids the Speaker in managing debates but also retains the Speaker's traditional role in overseeing parliamentary discourse.
Beyond debate management, the Ghanaian Parliament has also been working on digitising its documents. However, the journey towards complete digitisation has been met with resistance from some MPs, primarily those less familiar with technology. As a result, physical copies of documents are still maintained alongside digital versions, indicating that the transition to a fully digital parliament is still ongoing.
Challenges and Solutions in Parliament Modernisation
The journey towards digitalising the Parliament of Ghana has been fraught with both technological and cultural challenges. MPs, particularly those less familiar with digital technology, have displayed reluctance to engage with the new systems. This digital skills gap has highlighted the need for comprehensive training to ensure that all parliamentarians are comfortable and proficient in using these new tools.
Future Initiatives
The Ghanaian Parliament is not resting on its laurels, with several significant initiatives planned for the coming years. Key among these is the replacement of the current 7-inch consoles in the chamber with a 12-inch version, enhancing readability for MPs. These new systems will feature a biometric login, intended to authenticate MPs and provide accurate records of their attendance.
Additionally, a revamp of the Parliament's website is planned, with a focus on incorporating new features that were previously lacking. The potential to include a platform for MPs to connect with their constituents is being explored. Currently, the only existing connection is a Geographic Information System (GIS) which tracks projects in each constituency but is limited to MPs and relevant agencies.
Conclusion
The modernisation of the Parliament of Ghana presents a compelling case study of an institution grappling with technological advancements. Despite the challenges encountered, the institution has made considerable strides in leveraging technology to improve efficiency and transparency. The planned initiatives, such as the console upgrade and website redevelopment, demonstrate the Parliament's commitment to continual improvement. However, to ensure maximum benefits from these initiatives, comprehensive digital skills training for MPs and possible amendments to standing orders need to be considered. Undoubtedly, the journey towards a fully digitised Parliament is complex, but with persistence, flexibility and a commitment to embracing the digital age, Ghana's Parliament is steadily navigating the path to modernisation.