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The Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has emphasised the need for African countries to unite and cooperate under the Pan-Africanism framework to promote democracy, stability and development.
Speaking at the National Assembly of Côte d'Ivoire, Mr Bagbin stressed the importance of collective efforts among African legislators to meet the aspirations of the African people.
Mr Bagbin described the session as an ideal platform for African legislators to collaborate on issues such as constitutional democracy, good governance and sustainable development.
That, he said, would contribute to stronger regional institutions and unity across the continent.
Parliamentary leaders who attended the ceremony held last Monday, January 20, 2025, were formally received with a Guard of Honour parade.
Côte d'Ivoire's legislature is a bicameral system, comprising the National Assembly and the Senate. The National Assembly has 255 members, directly elected for a five-year term.
On the economic front, Mr Bagbin called for closer cooperation within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He highlighted the importance of enhancing trade, developing industrial capacities, and accelerating industrialisation to maximise African countries' competitive advantages and strengthen the continent’s position in global trade.
Reflecting on Ghana's recent political landscape, Bagbin extolled the peaceful transition of power from the ruling party to the opposition in the 2024 elections.
He described it as a clear sign of the country's commitment to moving from the consolidation to the entrenchment of democracy, which he said underlined the need to support parliaments and democratic institutions that promote good governance in the region.
On security, Mr Bagbin stressed the need for regional cooperation in combating terrorism, particularly in West Africa, where terrorism is spreading southward.
He also called for a united approach to resolve conflicts and prevent instability, which continues to undermine national cohesion across the continent and emphasised the urgent need for cooperation to address the challenges posed by climate change as well as other existential threats facing Africa.
Mr Bagbin reaffirmed Ghana’s continuous support for the National Assembly of Côte d'Ivoire and noted the historical and cultural ties between the two countries that have fostered collaboration in various spheres, particularly in promoting peace and development within the West African sub-region.
He praised the growth of parliamentary diplomacy between the two nations, which has become an essential pillar in strengthening bilateral relations.
“The Parliament of Ghana greatly values this relationship and assures you of Ghana’s commitment to foster stronger partnership to promote democracy, peace, trade and development, for our respective countries,” he added.
The President of the National Assembly of Côte d'Ivoire, Adama Bictogo, urged Africans to identify and implement common solutions to the continent's challenges at both bilateral and multilateral levels.
While commending the various Speakers for their attendance, he recognised that their presence demonstrated trust and ongoing support for the parliamentary institution, which also symbolises African integration and sub-regional cooperation.
The President of the National Assembly of Senegal, Malick Ndiaye; President of Togo’s National Assembly, Kodjo Sevon-Tepe Adedze; President of the National Assembly of Benin, Gbehounou Louisa VLAVONOU, and President of Nigeria’s Senate, Godswill Obot Akpabio, all took turns to address the session.
