by Enock Adomah
In this article, IPEN member Enock Adomah explores how the Parliament of Ghana continues to expand its reach and impact through its Department of Public Engagement.
Background to public engagement in Ghana
In 2021, the Parliament of Ghana’s vision to strengthen its relationship with citizens led to the creation of the Department of Public Engagement.
Established following a strategic decision by the Parliamentary Service Board, the Department represents a forward-looking reform aimed at enhancing efficiency and promoting inclusive service delivery within the Parliamentary Service.
The strategic direction behind its establishment was to optimise productivity and ensure focused public engagement.
The Department of Public Engagement became fully operational in March 2023 and continues to expand its reach and impact. Its mandate is to promote public understanding of Parliament’s work, strengthen citizen participation, and build strategic partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders.
Through its initiatives, the Department facilitates impartial analysis of parliamentary discussions, promotes dialogue, and bridges the gap between Parliament and the public.
Expanding reach through the Outreach Unit
A major milestone in this journey was the establishment of the Outreach Unit on 3 March 2025.
This new Unit reflects Parliament’s renewed commitment to bringing governance closer to the people. As one of four dynamic units under the Department—alongside Visits & Tours, Education & Communication, and the Citizens’ Bureau—the Outreach Unit plays a vital role in deepening Parliament’s community presence.
Its core focus is to forge meaningful connections with diverse groups, ensuring that every segment of society feels represented and heard in the democratic process.
Since its establishment, the Unit has initiated targeted engagements with key interest groups and community institutions to better understand their concerns and perspectives on parliamentary and national issues.
Engagements with key groups
During August and September 2025, the Outreach Unit conducted engagement activities with various groups, including the Traders Advocacy Group in Accra, the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers—one of the largest spare parts dealers in Accra—and the Mempong School of the Deaf.
The initiative is based on the concept of “Parliament on Wheels” and is referred to in the local Ga language as “Ayalolo”, which means “We are moving”.
The programme brings Parliament directly to the people, providing stakeholders with opportunities to learn about the parliamentary process, the role of Members of Parliament in lawmaking and oversight, and ways in which citizens can actively engage with governance.
Traders Advocacy Group
The Outreach Unit’s engagement with the Traders Advocacy Group at the Makola market offered a platform for market leaders and small business owners to share their views on economic policies, taxation and business regulations discussed in Parliament.
The interaction underscored the importance of Parliament’s role in shaping legislation that affects local trade and entrepreneurship.
Participants commended Parliament for opening its doors to traders and called for continuous dialogue to ensure that the voices of the informal sector are reflected in national policy decisions.
Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers
At Abossey Okai, one of Ghana’s largest automobile parts markets in Accra, the Outreach Unit met with members of the Spare Parts Dealers Association to discuss issues affecting the automotive trade, import duties and the sustainability of small businesses.
The dealers shared their expectations for more consultative policymaking and expressed appreciation for Parliament’s efforts to engage them directly.
The meeting highlighted how structured outreach can demystify parliamentary work and promote compliance with national laws through mutual understanding.
Secondary Technical School for the Deaf – Mampong, Akuapem North
In a gesture that emphasised inclusion and accessibility, the Unit also engaged students and staff of the Secondary Technical School for the Deaf in Mampong, Akuapem North.
During the interaction, the team educated the students on how persons with disabilities can actively participate in the work of Parliament, including opportunities to engage in legislative processes, oversight functions and public consultations.
Sign language interpreters were employed throughout the session to ensure effective communication and meaningful participation by all attendees.
The engagement provided a platform for students to ask questions, interact with parliamentary staff, and gain insights into the structure, functions and relevance of Parliament in national development.
The visit inspired the students by demonstrating that their voices and contributions matter in governance. It reinforced Parliament’s commitment to ensuring that persons with disabilities are fully included in national decision-making processes.
Bridging parliament and the people
Through these outreach activities, the Department of Public Engagement continues to affirm its belief that democracy thrives when citizens are informed, involved and inspired. The engagements have not only broadened Parliament’s understanding of citizens’ concerns but have also deepened public trust and collaboration.
As the Department continues to develop, the creation of the Outreach Unit represents a major step forward—connecting Parliament and the people, one conversation at a time.
More information
Enock Adomah is Administrator for the Department of Public Engagement at the Parliament of Ghana.
Find out more about the Parliament of Ghana.
Further examples of the work of the Outreach Unit can be found in the new Guide on Engaging Underrepresented Groups, alongside other examples from around the world. This publication is one of a series of eight Guides on Citizen Engagement for Parliaments, developed by the International Parliament Engagement Network (IPEN) in partnership with Inter Pares I Parliaments in Partnership.
Feature image
Supt./Mrs. Effia Tenge (Retd), Director of the Department of Public Engagement, Ghana Parliament, engaging with the Traders Advocacy Group of Ghana (TAGG). Photo: Ghana Parliamentary Broadcasting Photography Team.
10 November 2025