Akufo-Addo Urges African Leaders to Embrace Democratic Values

President Nana Akufo-Addo has called on the Speakers and Presidents of African Parliaments to wholeheartedly embrace democratic ideals and the spirit of Pan-Africanism to foster the continent’s advancement.

“The actions we take today will determine Africa’s future. Let us proceed with vision, courage, and steadfast determination,” he emphasized in a speech delivered by Mrs. Patricia Appiagyei, Deputy Leader of the New Patriotic Party Parliamentary Caucus, during the opening of the Second General Assembly of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL) in Accra.

“Together, we can transform this assembly from a mere gathering into a landmark moment in Africa’s pursuit of peace, prosperity, and unity.”

CoSPAL serves as the first permanent forum aimed at uniting legislative leaders across Africa to drive the continent’s sustainable growth agenda. One of the key objectives of the two-day meeting in Accra is to review and adopt a draft constitution for CoSPAL, crafted by the Interim Technical Working Group during the inaugural assembly in Abuja, Nigeria, in May 2022.

President Akufo-Addo recognized the visionaries who have helped bring CoSPAL to fruition, including notable figures such as Femi Gbajabiamila, former Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, and Professor Mike Oquaye, a former Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, among others.

He underscored that their collective dedication has laid a strong foundation for this important initiative, which resonates with the core principles of Pan-Africanism. Under the leadership of Ghana’s Speaker, Mr. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, he expressed confidence that CoSPAL’s influence and significance would continue to grow, fostering a new era of legislative collaboration for the benefit of all Africans.

Held in Accra, an emblematic city rich in the history of African independence, this assembly offers a vital opportunity to reflect on the continent’s journey and strategize for the future. “It is in gatherings like this that we plant the seeds of Pan-African unity and collaboration,” he stated.

“By aligning our minds and wills, we not only celebrate Africa’s legislative and democratic strides but also acknowledge the work ahead to secure lasting stability and prosperity for all.”

President Akufo-Addo emphasized that democracy is more than a political system; it is “the lifeblood of our continent’s future, a process of participation, inclusion, and mutual respect among our people.” He highlighted Ghana’s ongoing commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring transparency, and upholding the trust of its citizens.

As Ghana approaches its crucial election year, he reaffirmed his government’s dedication to conducting peaceful and transparent elections, emphasizing the importance of respecting every Ghanaian’s democratic rights.

“Ghana has long been a symbol of democracy in Africa, and it is our shared responsibility to preserve this legacy for future generations,” he stated, calling for unity and shared values among all Ghanaians, regardless of their political affiliations.

During the assembly, Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin urged his colleagues to intensify efforts to combat poverty across the continent, while Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye called for leveraging Africa’s rich natural resources for development. Vital Kamerhe, President of the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Congo, stressed the importance of silencing guns to enable the continent’s progress.