Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has called for African parliaments to take a leading role in addressing the pressing challenges facing the continent.
According to him, the legislative bodies ought to move beyond the sidelines and play a central part in shaping solutions for Africa as a whole.
Speaking at the opening of the 2nd General Assembly of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL) in Accra, Mr. Bagbin said, “As representatives of the people, our parliaments cannot sit aloof or operate on the fringes of the efforts to combat these challenges. We must be at the centre of those efforts if we are to meet the needs and aspirations of the people we represent.
The conference brought together African Speakers of Parliaments, Presidents of National Assemblies, and other distinguished delegates across the continent.
The Assembly focused on key issues such as global economic challenges, climate change, and security threats that affect the continent.
Mr. Bagbin, who is also the President of CoSPAL, noted that these crises are reshaping governance dynamics and require the active involvement of parliaments in finding coordinated solutions.
CoSPAL, established as the first permanent platform for mobilising and uniting Africa’s legislative leaders, provides a critical opportunity for cooperation.
He emphasised that CoSPAL was not formed to compete with other organisations but to complement and support their efforts, particularly in collaboration with the African Union, civil society, and other key stakeholders.
“Parliaments worldwide, including those in Africa, play a crucial role in the socio-economic development and democratic governance through their representational, legislative, and oversight functions,” he said.
Speaker Bagbin underscored that in the face of contemporary global challenges, African parliaments must strengthen their institutional capacity and lead the charge in solving the continent’s problems.
The two-day conference adopted a Draft Constitution for CoSPAL, which was submitted by the Interim Technical Working Group (ITWG).
Mr. Bagbin praised the ITWG for its diligent work in consulting stakeholders and incorporating diverse opinions into the draft document.
The constitution aims to formalise the framework for CoSPAL’s role in promoting collaboration among African legislatures.
He encouraged participants to share experiences and best practices from their respective countries to foster stronger legislative institutions.
He also called for constructive dialogue to ensure that CoSPAL remains a forward-looking organisation that champions Africa’s development agenda.
“As Africans, we share a common destiny and face common enemies of ignorance, poverty, and deprivation. Let us remember that no single country can address these challenges alone.
“We are politically, culturally, and economically interconnected,” he said, urging collective action to overcome shared challenges.
The conference again held discussions around strengthening legislative capacity and fostering intra-African cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, and innovation.
Meanwhile, Speaker Bagbin has been re-elected for a second term as Chairman of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL).
The election of Mr. Bagbin occurred during the Second General Assembly of CoSPAL in Accra over the weekend.
Other officers who were also elected include Mr. Ibidapo Olufemi Oyewole as CoSPAL Secretary-General, Madam Anita Annet, the Speaker of Uganda Parliament as Vice Chairperson, and four (4) Regional CoSPAL Vice Chairmen.
By Ernest Kofi Adu