Bagbin urges African countries to uphold cultural identity and legislative sovereignty

Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has called on African countries to uphold their cultural identity and legislative independence, stressing the need to protect the continent’s values, traditions and heritage.

Delivering the keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 4th African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values in Ghana, the Speaker said Africa does not seek to dictate the internal affairs of other countries and expects the same respect in return.

Rt. Hon. Bagbin, who also serves as President of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL), urged African lawmakers to remain committed to the mandate of their people and safeguard the continent’s unique identity.

The conference, held under the theme “Consolidating Parliamentary Consensus: Advancing the African Charter on Family Values and Sovereignty,” brought together representatives from 20 African countries.

The Speaker 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 declarations and speeches, adding that effective protection must be supported by policies, resources and practical interventions.

Rt. Hon. Bagbin also called on African legislators to work together to safeguard the continent’s legislative sovereignty, describing the challenges facing Africa as collective issues requiring a united response.

Representing President John Dramani Mahama, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah expressed appreciation to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and the people of Uganda for supporting the growth of the conference.

He said the family remains a fundamental building block of society where values are nurtured and character is shaped.

Earlier, Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament Hon. Andrews Asiamah Amoako stated that African problems can only be solved through African unity, stressing that the continent’s challenges require cooperation among parliaments, governments, traditional leaders, faith communities, educators and civil society.

The conference also featured an opening prayer and reflection on the governance of African countries by Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams of Action Chapel International, alongside contributions from several parliamentary leaders, including the Speaker of Morocco, the Senate President of Eswatini and the Speaker of the Tanzanian Parliament.