Regional legislative evaluation capacity and the oversight function: a diagnostic study of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament. Issue 4 (2nd October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Adaku, Ebenezer; Agomor, Kingsley S.; Amoatey, Charles Teye; Tandoh-Offin, Patrick
• Is Part Of: Journal of legislative studies. Volume 28:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: 606
• Page End: 626
• Publication Date: 2022-10-02
• Subjects: Evidence use -- ECOWAS -- Parliament -- Oversight function; Legislative power -- Periodicals; Legislation -- Research -- Periodicals; Legislative bodies -- Periodicals; 328.305
• DOI: 10.1080/13572334.2020.1848080
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1357-2334

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study sought to diagnose the evaluation capacity of the Economic Community of West African States Parliament (ECOWAS-P) in respect of its ability to perform the oversight function. The study employed a qualitative approach, specifically a focus group discussion (FGD), to explore and understand the evaluation capacity of the Parliament. Twelve participants constituted the FGD, mainly from four key units of the Parliament, namely: the Office of the Secretary General; the Directorate of Parliamentary Affairs and Research; Office of the Bureau of the ECOWAS-P; and Members of the ECOWAS-P. The study found out that the evaluation capacity of the ECOWAS-P is considered weak with limited capacity as well as nascent with significant gaps. This has implications for the effective performance of the Parliament's oversight responsibility. The study, thus, suggests measures to enhance the evaluation capacity of the Parliament.