The Research Assistants (RAs) of Parliament have presented a citation to the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, in recognition of his exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to their welfare and professional development during the eight parliament.
The role of Research Assistants, who are attached to Members of Parliament (MPs), was formalized in 2017. These professionals are tasked with providing administrative support, analyzing and interpreting data to ensure MPs are well-informed, developing expertise on legislative matters, and working with constituency teams to respond to casework and engage effectively with constituents.
Speaking at the citation presentation ceremony, Rt. Hon. Bagbin expressed gratitude for the recognition and highlighted the importance of their role in Parliament. He emphasized his ambitious vision for a more effective and dynamic legislature, stating, “Four years is not enough to make a difference, but I am committed to laying the foundation for meaningful change.”
The Speaker urged Research Assistants to sharpen their skills by thoroughly studying Parliamentary resources, including Constitutional Instrument 118, the Standing Orders, and the revised Code of Conduct. He noted that mastering these tools would enable them to better support their respective MPs and enhance parliamentary operations.
On behalf of the Research Assistants, Stephen Attuh congratulated the Speaker on his re-election, which cements his place in history as one of the longest-serving Speakers of Parliament, second only to Daniel Francis Annan, who served from 1993 to 2001.
Mr. Attuh praised the Speaker for his continuous support of RAs and presented a set of proposals to further improve their welfare and professional engagement. These included periodic capacity-building workshops and training sessions to ensure their skills align with the evolving dynamics of parliamentary work.
He also advocated for the creation of opportunities for permanent recruitment into the Parliamentary Service and an exit package to support RAs in the unfortunate event of losing their positions due to unforeseen circumstances, such as the demise or exit of their MP.
Additionally, Mr. Attuh proposed the establishment of a welfare scheme, as well as the provision of rent and transportation allowances to alleviate the financial burdens faced by Research Assistants.
The ceremony underscored the critical role Research Assistants play in the legislative process and reaffirmed the Speaker’s commitment to supporting their growth and contribution to the work of Parliament.
By Eugene Davis
