By Edzorna Francis Mensah
Parliamentary Network Africa (PNAfrica) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Graduate Students Association of Ghana (GRASAG).
This partnership aims to empower graduate students to contribute to evidence-based policy-making in Ghana’s legislative process.
The MoU was signed on Friday, June 21, 2024, following a detailed discussion of the terms of the agreement and brainstorming on implementation strategies.
The Executive Director of PNAfrica, Sammy Obeng, led the discussions and highlighted that, although the agreement is tied to the tenure of the current GRASAG executives, it is expected to set a lasting precedent for future collaborations. “This partnership is not just for today; it’s for the future, creating a legacy that will benefit subsequent officeholders and the broader academic community,” said Mr. Obeng.
The President of GRASAG, Emmanuel Owusu, expressed his commitment to the collaboration and said he sees the partnership as a legacy that he can hand over to those who come after him.
“Despite the challenges with our current handover systems, I will ensure that a robust mechanism is put in place to keep future executives informed and engaged with ongoing projects,” Mr. Owusu stated. As part of this collaboration, a cohort of GRASAG members will receive training in effective parliamentary research.
Their research findings will support Parliamentary Committees in their evaluation of bills and policies. This initiative is part of the “Enhancing Civic Participation of Youth and Women in Ghana” project, funded by the French Embassy.
The project proposes to provide platforms, training, and tools to strengthen the capacity of youth and women to actively participate in the parliamentary process, focusing on transparency, accountability, and good governance principles. Both PNAfrica and GRASAG are optimistic about the positive impact of this partnership.
They believe it will significantly enhance civic engagement and policy-making in Ghana. As the discussion concluded, both parties expressed their enthusiasm and commitment to a fruitful and enduring partnership.
