The Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has called on African countries to uphold their cultural identity and legislative independence.
According to the Speaker, Africa does not seek to dictate the internal affairs of other countries and expects the same respect in return.
Stressing that African lawmakers must remain committed to the mandate of their people and protect the continent’s unique values, traditions, and heritage.
The Speaker who is also the President of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL) made this in his keynote address during the opening ceremony of the 4th African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values in Ghana.
The Conference which is being organized under the theme: Consolidating Parliamentary Consensus: Advancing the African Charter on Family Values and Sovereignty brought together representatives from twenty (20) African countries.
Alban Bagbin emphasised the need for Africa to redefine its understanding of family in the 21st century based on its own cultural realities rather than adopting foreign interpretations.
He noted that preserving the family requires more than speeches and declarations, arguing that genuine protection must be backed by policies, resources, and practical support for families. He also urged African legislators to work together to safeguard the continent’s legislative sovereignty, describing the challenges facing Africa as collective issues that demand a united response.
Representing the President of the Republic of Ghana H.E. John Dramani Mahama, the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, expressed appreciation to the President of Uganda Yoweri Museveni and Ugandans for nurturing the conference to this stage.
He was of the opinion that family remains a key building block of society where values are formed and characters shaped.
Earlier, the Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament Andrews Asiamah Amoako noted that solutions to African problems can only be found through African unity. He was of the view that this reflects the spirit of the conference, as the complex issues facing the continent cannot be resolved by a single nation. Instead, they require steadfast cooperation among parliaments, governments, traditional leaders, faith communities, educators, and civil society.
After an opening prayer and reflection on the Governance of African Countries by the Archbishop of Action Chapel International, Nicholas Duncan-Williams, various speakers including the Speaker of Morocco, Senate President of Eswatini and Speaker of Tanzania Parliament
