Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, President of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), has called on Commonwealth Parliamentarians to uphold democratic principles and the values outlined in the Commonwealth Charter.
He made these remarks during the official opening of the 66th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Accra, Ghana.
The CPA is a global network comprising 180 Commonwealth Parliaments and Legislatures working together to reinforce the Commonwealth's dedication to the highest standards of democratic governance.
The week-long conference, with the theme “The Commonwealth Charter 10 years on Values and Principles for Parliaments to Uphold,” was inaugurated by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Commonwealth Charter, which articulates the principles and values of the Commonwealth.
Speaker Bagbin emphasized the need to ensure the independence of parliaments, stating that democracy could not thrive without deliberate efforts to guarantee this independence.
He cited James Madison, the Fourth President of the United States, who stated that the concentration of all powers in the same hands defined tyranny.
Speaker Bagbin encouraged the empowerment of oversight committees to review government actions, budgets, and policies as a means to strengthen parliaments.
He also stressed the importance of civic education programs to inform citizens about their rights and the need to safeguard parliamentary democracy.
Additionally, he highlighted the significance of parliaments' strong relations with civil society and the media in promoting public participation and exposing infringements on democratic principles.
In reference to parliamentary democracy in sub-Saharan Africa, Speaker Bagbin celebrated Ghana's 30 years of stable parliamentary democracy and urged other African countries to understand the reasons behind the loss of trust in democratic leadership and institutions, which has led to military interventions in governance.
He identified corruption, nepotism, neglect of electorates' aspirations, and policies that deepen poverty while supporting political elites as factors eroding trust in political leadership and institutions. He called for efforts to break the cycle of mistrust and dissatisfaction with political leadership in the sub-region.
Mr. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business in Parliament emphasized the CPA's commitment to addressing critical issues facing parliaments and promoting democracy and good governance.
Mr. Stephen Twigg, Secretary-General of the CPA, highlighted the CPA's aim of implementing the values in the Commonwealth Charter and fostering democratic legislation within the Commonwealth.
Mr. Ian Liddel-Grainger, MP, House of Commons, UK, and Chairperson of the CPA Executive Committee, emphasized the CPA's dedication to strengthening parliamentary democracy.
- Reporting by Iddi Yire: Editing by Adewale Adejoke